FIRST PERSON
REVIEWS
- Zebrafish models of sarcopenia
Summary: Zebrafish and other small fish have become powerful disease models. Here, we summarize the evidence for the utility of small teleost models for genetic research in sarcopenia – the age-related loss of muscle mass and function.
- Control of translation elongation in health and disease
Summary: In this Review, we outline the process of elongation and discuss the relative contributions of transfer RNAs, elongation factors and their modifiers to this process, and how their dysregulation contributes towards disease.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
- FX11 limits Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth and potentiates bactericidal activity of isoniazid through host-directed activity
Summary: Targeting LDHA results in tumor regression in experimental models. Likewise, co-administration of a known small molecule LDHA inhibitor and an anti-tuberculosis drug has improved the tuberculosis therapeutic outcomes in murine models.
- Arx expansion mutation perturbs cortical development by augmenting apoptosis without activating innate immunity in a mouse model of X-linked infantile spasms syndrome
Editor's choice: We found non-cell-autonomous apoptosis and fewer Arx+ interneurons in neonatal neocortex of an X-linked infantile spasms syndrome Arx expansion model. Early estradiol therapy rescued Arx+ interneuron density, but did not prevent apoptosis.
- A murine model demonstrates capsule-independent adaptive immune protection in survivors of Klebsiella pneumoniae respiratory tract infection
Summary: This novel mouse model of nonlethal pulmonary Klebsiella pneumoniae infection allows for the exploration of mechanisms required to mount a protective memory response to K. pneumoniae in the lung.
- Inactivation of Zeb1 in GRHL2-deficient mouse embryos rescues mid-gestation viability and secondary palate closure
Summary: Epithelial transcription factor GRHL2 is required for face closure while mesenchymal transcription factor ZEB1 is required for palate closure. Surprisingly, animals lacking both factors close their face and secondary palate.
- Genetic background modifies phenotypic severity and longevity in a mouse model of Niemann-Pick disease type C1
Summary: This study identifies genomic regions in a new Npc1 mutant mouse model containing potential modifier variants associated with changes in phenotypic severity and lifespan.
- Characterization of the human GnRH neuron developmental transcriptome using a GNRH1-TdTomato reporter line in human pluripotent stem cells
Summary: Here, we generated a GNRH1-reporter cell line in hPSCs and investigated transcriptomes of GNRH1-expressing neurons and their progenitors, potentially leading to validation of new genes related to GnRH neuron function.
- Six1 proteins with human branchio-oto-renal mutations differentially affect cranial gene expression and otic development
Summary: Branchio-otic/branchio-oto-renal syndromes result in craniofacial defects including deafness. Four of the known human SIX1 mutations cause differential changes in craniofacial gene expression and otic morphology when expressed in Xenopus embryos.
PREPRINT HIGHLIGHTS
This issue
Other journals from The Company of Biologists
DMM and COVID-19
We are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on researchers worldwide. The Editors of all The Company of Biologists’ journals have been considering ways in which we can alleviate concerns that members of our community may have around publishing activities during this time. Read about the actions we are taking at this time.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Editorial Office if you have any questions or concerns.
New interactive timeline for landmark COVID-19 preprints
In three months, over 1,000 coronavirus preprints have been posted. A group of preLighters has now created a new website to feature landmark studies and place them on a timeline of the pandemic.
DMM first authors Meagan Siehr, Jorge Rodriguez-Gil and Carina Lund each discuss their research, surprise moments and the professional lives of early-career researchers.
Editor’s choice
Jeffrey Noebels’ group shows how Arx mutations perturb cortical development in a mouse model of the severe epileptic encephalopathy X-linked infantile spasms syndrome.
A Guide to Using Neuromuscular Disease Models for Basic and Preclinical Studies
Read our most recent Special Issue, which features reviews and research articles that highlight the value of model systems in advancing neuromuscular disorders research.