SEIPIN Isoforms Interact with the Membrane-Tethering Protein VAP27-1 for Lipid Droplet Formation (open access)

SEIPIN Isoforms Interact with the Membrane-Tethering Protein VAP27-1 for Lipid Droplet Formation

Article demonstrating that part of the function of two SEIPIN isoforms in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), AtSEIPIN2 and AtSEIPIN3, may depend on their interaction with the vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP)–associated protein (VAP) family member AtVAP27-1. The authors used a combination of biochemical, cell biology, and genetics approaches to show that AtVAP27-1 interacts with the N termini of AtSEIPIN2 and AtSEIPIN3 and likely supports the normal formation of LDs. This insight indicates that the ER membrane tethering machinery in plant cells could play a role with select SEIPIN isoforms in LD biogenesis at the ER, and additional experimental evidence in Saccharomyces cerevisiae supports the possibility that this interaction may be important in other eukaryotic systems.
Date: July 20, 2020
Creator: Greer, Michael Scott; Cai, Yingqi; Gidda, Satinder K.; Esnay, Nicolas; Kretzschmar, Franziska K.; Seay, Damien C. et al.
System: The UNT Digital Library
Relating size and functionality in human social networks through complexity (open access)

Relating size and functionality in human social networks through complexity

Article argues that the Dunbar number arises as a consequence of a natural phase transition in the dynamic self-organization among N individuals within a social system. The authors provide a theoretical basis for the value of the Dunbar number and establish a theory-based bridge spanning the gap between sociology and psychology.
Date: July 20, 2020
Creator: Massari, Giovanni F.; Culbreth, Garland; Failla, Roberto; Grigolini, Paolo; West, Bruce J. & Bologna, Mauro
System: The UNT Digital Library