October 13, 2020
Image credit: Gai, Tong et al.
10/01/2020
Research Article
Here, Weber and colleagues describe UNO, a novel protein required for chromosome linkage in Drosophila melanogaster. They show when the linkage needs to be destroyed for chromosome separation during the first meiotic division, UNO is cleaved by a protease known as separase.
Image credit: Weber et al.
Current Issue September 2020
10/08/2020
Topic Page
In the latest PLOS Genetics Topic Page, Robert Erdmann and Colette Picard outline RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) - a biological process in which non-coding RNA molecules direct the addition of DNA methylation to specific DNA sequences. See the Wikipedia entry here.
Image credit: Erdmann and Picard
09/30/2020
Research Article
In eukaryotes, the striatin-interacting phosphatase and kinase (STRIPAK) multi-subunit signaling complex controls a variety of developmental processes. Stein et al. investigated Sordaria macrospora mutants that lack one or two STRIPAK subunits and provide new fundamental insights into the mechanism of how GUL1, as a STRIPAK target, controls multiple cellular functions.
Image credit: Stein et al.
09/21/2020
Research Article
For many fungal pathogens, the ability to adapt to changing environments (accomplished via transcription factors) forms the basis for how they infect and survive inside humans. Here, the authors find that Qsp1 - an imported peptide that is important for virulence - controls the binding of three different transcription factors to promoters, modulating the expression of Qsp1-regulated genes.
Image credit: Summers et al.
09/29/2020
Research Article
Poretska et al. identify members of the cytochrome P450 clade CYP78A to act in parallel with AMP1 to control cell fate in Arabidopsis. They propose a model in which both enzyme classes act on a common downstream process to sustain cell fate decisions in the early embryo and the shoot apical meristem.
Image credit: Poretska, Yang et al
09/29/2020
Research Article
DFNA15, caused by mutations of the transcription factor POU4F3, is one of the most common types of autosomal dominant non-syndromic deafness. Using a new knockout mouse model, Zhu et al. identified Aldh inhibitor as a potent small molecule for upregulation of Pou4f3 and treatment of hearing loss.
Image credit: Zhu et al.
09/14/2020
Research Article
Deshpande et al. used genome engineering to create a wide range of mutations in mouse, Zfp423. These animal models show that reduced Zfp423 expression produces measurable abnormalities in midline development.
Image credit: Deshpande et al.
09/10/2020
Research Article
Muhammad Basil Ali and colleagues shows that, genetically, the Australian labradoodle designer dog breed - developed from a cross of poodles and Labrador retrievers - is primarily poodle.
Image credit: proconsult, Pixabay
08/31/2020
Research Article
Hox dependent neuroblast apoptosis in abdominal and terminal regions of Drosophila utilizes Hox, Grh and Notch, but seems to have evolved different molecular strategies to pattern the developing CNS.
Image credit: journal.pgen.1008976.g005
08/31/2020
Research Article
Data from Sampson et al. support a role for the serotonergic neuromodulation of interneurons in the Drosophila melanogaster visual system
Image credit: journal.pgen.1009003.g001
A new addition to PLOS Topic Pages Collection. Read Maria E. Sousa and Michael H. Farkas published PLOS Genetics Topic Page on Micropeptides.
PLOS launches a new platform that lets research communities drive content priorities. Read the blog announcement here.
Sylvain Alem and colleagues investigate the social learning of string-pulling in the bumblebee which is illustrated through a number of videos.
This PLOS Medicine Special Collection reviews metrics to understand progress in diverse HIV epidemics
Congratulations to PLOS Genetics Associate Editor Lorraine Symington for being elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences!
Congratulations to PLOS Genetics Associate Editors Harmit Malik and Cédric Feschotte for being elected Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science!
Read Topic Pages Editor Thomas Shafee's article discussing how PLOS and others are building bridges between Wikipedia and the broader knowledge ecosystem.
Congratulations to PLOS Genetics Editorial Board members Harmit Malik and Nadia Singh, who are SMBE President-elect and Secretary-elect respectively!
Congratulations to newly-elected PLOS Genetics Editorial Board Members Sue Jinks-Robertson and Harmit Malik!
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