NATURE
22 April 2010 Volume 464 Number 7292, pp 1103 - 1238
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Nature News & Views Forum
From April 1st, Nature introduced an occasional variation on the
traditional format of News & Views articles. In this new type of
article - called News & Views Forum - two separate opinions about a
paper are given, with the aim of offering diversity of views on
selected high-impact research.
The latest News & Views Forum relates to a study reporting direct
reprogramming of pancreatic α cells to β cells. Kenneth Zaret writes
about the science behind this process, whereas Morris White discusses
what the findings mean for the treatment of diabetes.
Access the News & Views Forum article in this week's Nature.
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EDITORIALS
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Nuclear ambition p1103
The US weapons labs need to develop a twenty-first-century vision of
deterrence -- one that does not include making new bombs.
doi:10.1038/4641103a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=96&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
The weight of evidence pp1103-1104
Better chemical-control legislation is a good start, but scientific
reform should parallel legal reform.
doi:10.1038/4641103b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=94&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Time for libel-law reform p1104
Simon Singh's recent libel result is a victory for science, but the
real fight lies ahead.
doi:10.1038/4641104a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=85&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
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RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
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Planetary science: Moon grab p1106
doi:10.1038/4641106a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=60&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Neuroscience: Relief from pain p1106
doi:10.1038/4641106b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=65&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Biomaterials: Electronics on the brain p1106
doi:10.1038/4641106c
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=72&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Cultural evolution: High fidelity p1106
doi:10.1038/4641106d
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=77&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Cell biology: Toxin tackle p1106
doi:10.1038/4641106e
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=123&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Chemistry: Plumbing carbon rings pp1106-1107
doi:10.1038/4641106f
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=108&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Cancer biology: Cells combat chemo p1107
doi:10.1038/4641107a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=102&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Neuroscience: Sharpening social skills p1107
doi:10.1038/4641107b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=120&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Climate change: Fewer, taller, fiercer p1107
doi:10.1038/4641107c
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=114&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Immunology: Inflammatory good guys p1107
doi:10.1038/4641107d
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=43&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
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JOURNAL CLUB
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Journal club p1107
Kevin Mitchell
doi:10.1038/4641107e
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=40&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
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NEWS
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News briefing: 22 April 2010 pp1108-1109
The week in science
doi:10.1038/4641108a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=222&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
A shot in the arm for cancer vaccines? pp1110-1111
Researchers anxiously await a decision by US regulators on a
controversial cancer therapy.
Heidi Ledford
doi:10.1038/4641110a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=242&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
No gain from brain training p1111
Computerized mental workouts don't boost mental skills, study claims.
Alla Katsnelson
doi:10.1038/4641111a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=240&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Portrait of a year-old pandemic pp1112-1113
'Swine flu' isn't over yet, but it already holds lessons for the
future.
Declan Butler
doi:10.1038/4641112a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=238&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Undersea project delivers data flood p1115
Sea-floor observatory in the Pacific Ocean to provide terabytes of
data.
Nicola Jones
doi:10.1038/4641115a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=236&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Crucial data on REACH not disclosed pp1116-1117
Disagreement flares up over the number of animals required to
implement Europe's chemical-safety law.
Natasha Gilbert
doi:10.1038/4641116a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=269&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
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NEWS FEATURES
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Environmental science: New life for the Dead Sea? pp1118-1120
A conduit from the Red Sea could restore the disappearing Dead Sea
and slake the region's thirst. But such a massive engineering project
could have untold effects, reports Josie Glausiusz.
Josie Glausiusz
doi:10.1038/4641118a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=266&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Toxicology: The big test for bisphenol A pp1122-1124
After years of wrangling over the chemical's toxicity, researchers
are charting a new way forwards. Brendan Borrell investigates how the
debate has reshaped environmental-health studies.
Brendan Borrell
doi:10.1038/4641122a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=264&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
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CORRESPONDENCE
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Climate policy: role of scientists in public advocacy p1125
Stephen H. Schneider
doi:10.1038/4641125a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=36&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Climate policy: dissent over moral as well as factual issues p1125
Gregor Betz
doi:10.1038/4641125b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=38&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
What users really want to know from university ratings p1125
Jimmy J. Zhuang, Annie X. Wang and Joyce Y. Zhang
doi:10.1038/4641125c
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=32&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
African students value the results of studying in China p1125
Kenneth King
doi:10.1038/4641125d
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=34&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Actions speak louder than words to prevent language extinctions p1125
Yoshina Gautam and Aashish Jha
doi:10.1038/4641125e
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=51&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
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OPINION
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Copenhagen Accord pledges are paltry pp1126-1128
Current national emissions targets can't limit global warming to 2
[deg]C, calculate Joeri Rogelj, Malte Meinshausen and colleagues --
they might even lock the world into exceeding 3 [deg]C warming.
Joeri Rogelj et al.
doi:10.1038/4641126a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=49&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
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BOOKS AND ARTS
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Building life from the bottom up pp1129-1130
Engineering biological systems and organisms is a costly team effort
and may be incompatible with an open-source regulatory environment,
finds Michael A. Goldman.
Michael A. Goldman reviews Biology is Technology: The Promise, Peril,
and New Business of Engineering Life by Robert H. Carlson
doi:10.1038/4641129a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=47&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Why twins age differently pp1130-1131
Michael Sargent reviews Epigenetics of Aging by Trygve O. Tollefsbol
doi:10.1038/4641130a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=45&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Where the wilderness line blurs p1131
Emma Marris reviews Living Through the End of Nature: The Future of
American Environmentalism by Paul Wapner
doi:10.1038/4641131a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=44&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
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NEWS AND VIEWS
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Diabetes forum: Extreme makeover of pancreatic [alpha]-cells
pp1132-1133
Most insulin-secreting pancreatic [beta]-cells are irreplaceably lost
in type 1 diabetes. In a mouse model, pancreatic [alpha]-cells seem
to sacrifice their identity to replenish the low stock of [beta]-cells.
Two experts discuss what this means for understanding the basic cell
biology involved and its relevance to treating diabetes.
Kenneth S. Zaret and Morris F. White
doi:10.1038/4641132a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=89&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Quantum measurement: A condensate's main squeeze pp1133-1134
Entanglement between particles permits the quantum uncertainty in one
variable to be reduced at the cost of increasing that in another.
Condensates are an ideal system in which this technique can be studied.
Charles A. Sackett
doi:10.1038/4641133a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=2&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Neuroscience: Signals far and away pp1134-1136
The neocortex of the mammalian brain mediates functions such as
sensory perception and ultimately consciousness and language. The
spread of local signals across large distances in this brain region
has now been clarified.
Dirk Feldmeyer
doi:10.1038/4641134a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=7&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Chemistry: Not just any old anion pp1136-1137
Unlike its neighbours on the right-hand side of the periodic table,
boron barely forms an anion. A new trick has been established that
allows it to do so, enabling a highly unusual complex to be prepared.
Kyoko Nozaki
doi:10.1038/4641136a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=25&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Materials science: A cloak of liquidity pp1137-1138
Droplets of a liquid alloy on a silicon surface can rearrange the
surface atoms so that they mimic the short-range ordering of atoms in
the alloy. Remarkably, this effect inhibits freezing of the droplets.
A. Lindsay Greer
doi:10.1038/4641137a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=19&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
50 & 100 years ago p1138
doi:10.1038/4641138b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=21&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Infectious disease: Listeria does it again pp1138-1139
Proteins are synthesized by ribosomes, and then commonly undergo
further modifications. A new example of how these host-cell processes
can e subverted by a pathogenic bacterium has come to light.
Julian I. Rood
doi:10.1038/4641138a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=272&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Q&A: Animal behaviour: Magnetic-field perception pp1140-1142
The ability to perceive Earth's magnetic field, which at one time was
dismissed as a physical impossibility, is now known to exist in
diverse animals. The receptors for the magnetic sense remain elusive.
But it seems that at least two underlying mechanisms exist --
sometimes in the same organism.
Kenneth J. Lohmann
doi:10.1038/4641140a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=279&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
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ARTICLES
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Generation of a novel wing colour pattern by the Wingless morphogen
pp1143-1148
Here, the generation and evolution of the complex spotted wing pattern
of Drosophila guttifera are investigated. The findings show that wing
spots are induced by the Wingless morphogen, and that the elaborate
spot pattern evolved from simpler schemes by co-option of Wingless
expression at new sites. This type of process is likely to occur in
other animals, too.
Thomas Werner, Shigeyuki Koshikawa, Thomas M. Williams and
Sean B. Carroll
doi:10.1038/nature08896
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=261&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=288&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Conversion of adult pancreatic [agr]-cells to [bgr]-cells after
extreme [bgr]-cell loss pp1149-1154
In the pancreas, insulin-producing [beta]-cells are long-lived and
generally replicate seldom. They can do so, however, after increased
metabolic demand or after injury. Here, a new transgenic model is
developed in which [beta]-cells are nearly completely ablated in mice.
If given insulin, these mice survive, and grow new [beta]-cells.
Lineage-tracing shows that these new [beta]-cells come from
[alpha]-cells, revealing a previously disregarded degree of pancreatic
cell plasticity.
Fabrizio Thorel et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08894
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=276&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=11&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Lateral competition for cortical space by layer-specific horizontal
circuits pp1155-1160
A common anatomical feature of the sensory cortex in many species is
that neurons with similar features cluster into vertically orientated
domains spanning all layers of the cortex. Moreover, neurons in one
domain modulate neurons in neighbouring domains through horizontal
connections. A combination of techniques has now been used to show
that such horizontal projections suppress layers of cortex devoted
to processing inputs, but facilitate layers devoted to outputs.
Hillel Adesnik and Massimo Scanziani
doi:10.1038/nature08935
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=271&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=28&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
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LETTERS
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Possible thermochemical disequilibrium in the atmosphere of the
exoplanet GJ 436b pp1161-1164
Here, the atmosphere of the extrasolar planet GJ 436b is studied
during its 'secondary eclipse'. The findings reveal the presence of
some H2O and traces of CO2. The best-fit compositional models contain
a high CO abundance and a substantial methane deficiency relative to
thermochemical equilibrium models for the predicted hydrogen-dominated
atmosphere. Disequilibrium processes such as vertical mixing and
polymerization of methane may be required to explain this small
methane-to-CO ratio.
Kevin B. Stevenson et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09013
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=273&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=253&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Nonlinear atom interferometer surpasses classical precision limit
pp1165-1169
The precision of interferometers -- used in metrology and in the
state-of-the-art time standard -- is generally limited by classical
statistics. Here it is shown that the classical precision limit can
be beaten by using nonlinear atom interferometry with Bose-Einstein
condensates.
C. Gross et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08919
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=282&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=5&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Atom-chip-based generation of entanglement for quantum metrology
pp1170-1173
Atom chips provide a versatile quantum laboratory for experiments
with ultracold atomic gases, but techniques to control atomic
interactions and to generate entanglement have been unavailable so
far. Here, the experimental generation of multi-particle entanglement
on an atom chip is described. The technique is used to produce
spin-squeezed states of a two-component Bose-Einstein condensate,
which should be useful for quantum metrology.
Max F. Riedel et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08988
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=284&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=6&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Substrate-enhanced supercooling in AuSi eutectic droplets
pp1174-1177
Supercooling is a phenomenon by which a liquid remains in its fluid
phase well below its melting point. Supercooling can be inhibited by
the presence of a solid surface, whereby crystalline surfaces cause
adjacent atoms in the liquid to become ordered, inducing crystal
nucleation of the melt. Here it is shown that a particular surface
ordering of gold atoms on top of a silicon substrate can stabilize
the liquid phase of a gold-silicon eutectic droplet, and thus enhance
supercooling.
T. U. Schülli et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08986
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=277&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=18&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Stoichiometric control of organic carbon-nitrate relationships from
soils to the sea pp1178-1181
The accumulation of nitrate in freshwater and coastal marine ecosystems
is one of the consequences of the worldwide production of artificial
fertilizers. Here it is shown that nitrate accumulation in ecosystems
shows consistent and negative nonlinear correlations with organic
carbon availability, along a continuum from soils, through freshwater
systems and coastal margins, to the open ocean. This pattern can be
explained by carbon:nitrate ratios, which influence nitrate
accumulation by regulating microbial processes.
Philip G. Taylor and Alan R. Townsend
doi:10.1038/nature08985
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=280&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=216&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Learning-related fine-scale specificity imaged in motor cortex
circuits of behaving mice pp1182-1186
It is generally accepted that specific neuronal circuits in the
brain's cortex drive behavioural execution, but the relationship
between the performance of a task and the function of a circuit is
unknown. Here, this problem was tackled by using a technique that
allows many neurons within the same circuit to be monitored
simultaneously. The findings indicate that enhanced correlated
activity in specific ensembles of neurons can identify and encode
specific behavioural responses while a task is learned.
Takaki Komiyama et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08897
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=289&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=106&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Genetic analysis of variation in transcription factor binding in
yeast pp1187-1191
Variation in the regulation of gene transcription between individuals
is thought to be a major cause of phenotypic diversity. Here,
individual differences in the binding of transcription-factor
proteins are studied. A well-known transcription factor in the yeast
pheromone pathway is used as an example, and the underlying genetic
loci responsible for variation in its binding are mapped. The study
reveals new insights into the mechanisms of gene regulation, and new
regulators of the yeast pheromone pathway.
Wei Zheng et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08934
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=291&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=118&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Listeria monocytogenes impairs SUMOylation for efficient infection
pp1192-1195
SUMOylation is a post-translational protein modification that affects
many eukaryotic cellular processes. It is shown here that cellular
infection with Listeria monocytogenes induces degradation of one of
the essential SUMOylation enzymes, Ubc9, through a mechanism that
involves a bacterial toxin, listeriolysin O. This effect on
SUMOylation may support efficient infection by Listeria.
David Ribet et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08963
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=286&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=281&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
MicroRNA-mediated integration of haemodynamics and Vegf signalling
during angiogenesis pp1196-1200
During embryonic development, blood vessels remodel in response to
blood flow. Here, a genetic pathway is described through which this
mechanosensory stimulus is integrated with early developmental signals
to remodel vessels of the aortic arch in zebrafish. It is found that
the flow-induced transcription factor klf2a is required to induce the
expression of an endothelial-specific microRNA, activating signalling
through the growth factor Vegf.
Stefania Nicoli et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08889
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=205&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=59&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Caspase activation precedes and leads to tangles pp1201-1204
Fibrillar deposits of tau protein (neurofibrillary tangles) are
thought to cause neuronal death in patients with Alzheimer's disease,
and tau-related frontotemporal dementia. Here, however, the opposite
has been found: the activation of executioner caspase enzymes occurs
first, preceding tangle formation by hours to days. Tangle-bearing
neurons seem to be long-lived, indicating that tangles might be 'off
pathway' to acute neuronal death.
Alix de Calignon et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08890
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=206&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=67&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Crystal structure of the FTO protein reveals basis for its substrate
specificity pp1205-1209
The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene has been associated
with increased body weight. The FTO protein has DNA/RNA demethylase
activity. Here, the crystal structure of human FTO in complex with
the mononucleotide 3-methylthymidine is presented. The structure
provides a basis for understanding the substrate specificity of FTO,
and should serve as a foundation for the design of FTO inhibitors.
Zhifu Han et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08921
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=207&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=78&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Isolation of the elusive supercomplex that drives cyclic electron
flow in photosynthesis pp1210-1213
During photosynthesis, light energy is used by photosystems I and II
to establish electron flow, which ultimately results in the production
of ATP and NADPH. Two modes of electron flow exist, a linear electron
flow and a cyclic electron flow (CEF). The latter pathway generates
more ATP, but its molecular components have been elusive. Here, a
combination of biochemical and spectroscopic techniques has been used
to identify the supercomplex that drives CEF in the green alga
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
Masakazu Iwai et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08885
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=208&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=164&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Ku is a 5[prime]-dRP/AP lyase that excises nucleotide damage near
broken ends pp1214-1217
Most agents that generate breaks in DNA leave 'dirty ends' that
cannot be joined immediately; instead, intervening steps are required
to restore the integrity of nucleotides at the break. Here it is
shown that the non-homologous end joining pathway requires a
5[prime]-dRP/AP lyase activity to remove abasic sites at
double-strand breaks. Surprisingly, this activity is catalysed by the
Ku70 protein, which, together with its partner Ku86, had been thought
only to recognize broken DNA ends and to recruit other factors that
process ends.
Steven A. Roberts et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08926
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=201&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=168&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Super-resolution biomolecular crystallography with low-resolution
data pp1218-1222
X-ray crystallography has become the most common way for structural
biologists to obtain the three-dimensional structures of proteins and
protein complexes. However, crystals of large macromolecular complexes
often diffract only weakly (yielding a resolution worse than 4 A), so
new methods that work at such low resolution are needed. Here a new
method is described by which to obtain higher-quality electron
density maps and more accurate molecular models of weakly diffracting
crystals.
Gunnar F. Schroder, Michael Levitt and Axel T. Brunger
doi:10.1038/nature08892
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=202&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=194&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
----------------------
TECHNOLOGY FEATURE
----------------------
RNA interference: Homing in on delivery pp1225-1228
The scientific community now seems convinced that small RNAs will
become therapies, if new tools can help these large molecules to make
it safely into cells. Monya Baker reports.
Monya Baker
doi:10.1038/4641225a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=186&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
RNA interference: From tools to therapies p1225
doi:10.1038/4641225b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=184&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
RNA interference: MicroRNAs as biomarkers p1227
doi:10.1038/4641227a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=190&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
RNA interference: Table of suppliers pp1229-1230
doi:10.1038/4641229a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=188&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
----------------------
NATUREJOBS
----------------------
News
Science outreach scheme ramps up p1233
More than 2,500 US scientists are participating in new initiative.
Karen Kaplan
doi:10.1038/nj7292-1233a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=128&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Prospects
The junior senior supervisor p1233
Mentoring students as a young researcher has its own particular
challenges, suggests Fabio Paglieri.
Fabio Paglieri
doi:10.1038/nj7292-1233b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=132&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Careers and Recruitment
Making a switch p1234
When inspiration strikes or desperation sets in, a bold few risk
career suicide and move to new fields. Bryn Nelson reports on what
it takes.
Bryn Nelson
doi:10.1038/nj7292-1234a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=130&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
----------------------
FUTURES
----------------------
Corrective action p1238
Accidents will happen.
John Gilbey
doi:10.1038/4641238a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=146&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
----------------------
Advance Online Publication
----------------------
20 April 2010
Putting brain training to the test near-final version
Adrian M. Owen et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09042
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=203&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
PDF: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=204&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
21 April 2010
Chemical genetics strategy identifies an HCV NS5A inhibitor with a
potent clinical effect
Min Gao et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08960
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=145&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=145&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Cell signalling by microRNA165/6 directs gene dose-dependent root
cell fate
Annelie Carlsbecker et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08977
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=139&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=139&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Oxidation of methane by a biological dicopper centre
Ramakrishnan Balasubramanian et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08992
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=158&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=158&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
An RNA polymerase II- and AGO4-associated protein acts in RNA-directed
DNA methylation
Zhihuan Gao et al.
doi:10.1038/nature09025
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=154&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=154&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
18 April 2010
Evolution of self-compatibility in Arabidopsis by a mutation in the
male specificity gene
Takashi Tsuchimatsu et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08927
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=151&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=151&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
The scaffold protein Ste5 directly controls a switch-like mating
decision in yeast
Mohan K. Malleshaiah, Vahid Shahrezaei, Peter S. Swain
and Stephen W. Michnick
doi:10.1038/nature08946
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=246&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=246&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
X-ray crystal structure of the light-independent protochlorophyllide
reductase
Norifumi Muraki et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08950
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=252&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=252&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Native GABAB receptors are heteromultimers with a family of auxiliary
subunits
Jochen Schwenk et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08964
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=258&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=258&m=34808103&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=NzIzOTAyMTUS1&mt=1&rt=0
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