Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript. Principles and mechanisms of plant acclimation to heat stress Heterogeneity, dynamics and organelle interactions of lipid droplets Lipid droplets have key roles in energy storage and lipid metabolism. This Review discusses tools used for assessing lipid droplet heterogeneity, and how their heterogeneous composition and interactions with other organelles influence physiology and contribute to disease. W. Mike Henne Sarah Cohen Review Article 15 Jan 2026 Heterogeneity, dynamics and organelle interactions of lipid droplets Lipid droplets have key roles in energy storage and lipid metabolism. This Review discusses tools used for assessing lipid droplet heterogeneity, and how their heterogeneous composition and interactions with other organelles influence physiology and contribute to disease. Mechanisms and disease relevance of mitochondrial translation in humans This Review discusses new insights into the intricate regulation of mitochondrial protein synthesis, the pathological consequences of its dysfunction in cancer and immunity, and the complexity of therapeutic targeting of mitochondrial translation. Ricarda Richter-Dennerlein Xaquin Castro Dopico Joanna Rorbach Review Article 13 Feb 2026 Mechanisms and disease relevance of mitochondrial translation in humans This Review discusses new insights into the intricate regulation of mitochondrial protein synthesis, the pathological consequences of its dysfunction in cancer and immunity, and the complexity of therapeutic targeting of mitochondrial translation. Ricarda Richter-Dennerlein Xaquin Castro Dopico Emerging evidence for a cooperative pathway of Hedgehog release Janna Puschmann Kay Grobe Comment 20 May 2026 Emerging evidence for a cooperative pathway of Hedgehog release Janna Puschmann Ancient enzymes, new biotechnology applications Ylenia Jabalera Raul Perez-Jimenez Comment 18 Jun 2026 Ancient enzymes, new biotechnology applications Ylenia Jabalera Raul Perez-Jimenez Plucking cellular ribosomes with Ribo-Tweezer Yuxiang Chen Ching Pin Cheng Tools of the Trade 30 Jun 2026 Plucking cellular ribosomes with Ribo-Tweezer Ching Pin Cheng Elucidating structure–function relationships in the mammalian nucleolus Lin Shan Yunsheng Sun Ling-Ling Chen Review Article 19 May 2026 Elucidating structure–function relationships in the mammalian nucleolus Principles and mechanisms of plant acclimation to heat stress Tim Crawford Loris Pratx Isabel Bäurle Review Article 22 May 2026 Principles and mechanisms of plant acclimation to heat stress Regulation and function of specialized membrane protrusions in intercellular communication Shiyu Liu Christina A. Daly Chiara Zurzolo Review Article 19 Jun 2026 Regulation and function of specialized membrane protrusions in intercellular communication Christina A. Daly Series: structure–function The articles in this series present important structural findings and discuss their mechanistic and functional significance. Series: structure–function The articles in this series present important structural findings and discuss their mechanistic and functional significance. Share your Tools of the Trade Are you an early-career researcher who is working with a cool tool or method? Would you like others to learn about it? Let us know! We are introducing Tools of the Trade articles to showcase the role of ECRs in driving technological advancements in molecular cell biology. Email us at nrm@nature.com the method/tool you'd like to write about and why it's important. Share your Tools of the Trade Are you an early-career researcher who is working with a cool tool or method? Would you like others to learn about it? Let us know! We are introducing Tools of the Trade articles to showcase the role of ECRs in driving technological advancements in molecular cell biology. Email us at nrm@nature.com the method/tool you'd like to write about and why it's important. ECR peer-review initiative Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology is committed to facilitating training in peer review and to ensuring that everyone involved in our peer-review process is appropriately recognised. We allow and encourage established referees to involve one early-career researcher in our peer-review process. ECR peer-review initiative Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology is committed to facilitating training in peer review and to ensuring that everyone involved in our peer-review process is appropriately recognised. We allow and encourage established referees to involve one early-career researcher in our peer-review process. Follow us on Bluesky We are posting our content and journal news on Bluesky! Follow us for everything NRMCB-related and the latest updates on cell and molecular biology research. Follow us on Bluesky We are posting our content and journal news on Bluesky! Follow us for everything NRMCB-related and the latest updates on cell and molecular biology research. Latest Reviews & Analysis The molecular basis of transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II Recent technological breakthroughs have transformed our understanding of how transcription initiation in eukaryotes is regulated. This Review discusses the dynamics and roles of initiation-relevant protein complexes, and how chromatin states regulate the selection of transcription start sites and transcription directionality. Xizi Chen Yanhui Xu Review Article 04 Sept 2026 Mechanisms and balanced regulation of plant immunity This Review discusses recent insights into the mechanisms of immune signalling in plants and their regulation to achieve effective defence against pathogens while preserving plant fitness. It also explores the interplay between the immune system and environmental stresses, and strategies for engineering optimal disease-resistant plants. Jijie Chai Yuanchao Wang Yan Wang Review Article 27 Aug 2026 Towards a systems-level view of the microtubule cytoskeleton and its functions in physiology and disease Microtubules are essential components of the cytoskeleton, yet important links between their molecular properties and organismal functions remain unresolved. In this Roadmap, Janke et al. discuss key challenges, emerging opportunities and integrative approaches to connect microtubule regulation with physiology, ageing and disease. Carsten Janke Anna Akhmanova Zdenek Lansky Roadmap 27 Aug 2026 Regulation and roles of mammalian mitophagy Mitophagy contributes to cellular homeostasis through the recycling of damaged mitochondria and precise control of mitochondrial numbers. In this Review, Martens and Ganley summarize the molecular mechanisms involved in mitophagy pathways, mitophagy regulation and roles in disease. Sascha Martens Ian G. Ganley Review Article 14 Aug 2026 Mechanisms of transcription termination across the coding and noncoding loci of the genome Transcription termination by RNA polymerase II is a tightly regulated process that involves RNA surveillance and the chromatin environment. This Review discusses the interactions between transcription termination, RNA processing, nuclear RNA decay and mRNP export, which together guide RNA fate. Aixia Song Minhui Hu Fei Xavier Chen Review Article 10 Aug 2026 The molecular basis of transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II Recent technological breakthroughs have transformed our understanding of how transcription initiation in eukaryotes is regulated. This Review discusses the dynamics and roles of initiation-relevant protein complexes, and how chromatin states regulate the selection of transcription start sites and transcription directionality. Xizi Chen Yanhui Xu Review Article 04 Sept 2026 The molecular basis of transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II Recent technological breakthroughs have transformed our understanding of how transcription initiation in eukaryotes is regulated. This Review discusses the dynamics and roles of initiation-relevant protein complexes, and how chromatin states regulate the selection of transcription start sites and transcription directionality. Mechanisms and balanced regulation of plant immunity This Review discusses recent insights into the mechanisms of immune signalling in plants and their regulation to achieve effective defence against pathogens while preserving plant fitness. It also explores the interplay between the immune system and environmental stresses, and strategies for engineering optimal disease-resistant plants. Jijie Chai Yuanchao Wang Yan Wang Review Article 27 Aug 2026 Mechanisms and balanced regulation of plant immunity This Review discusses recent insights into the mechanisms of immune signalling in plants and their regulation to achieve effective defence against pathogens while preserving plant fitness. It also explores the interplay between the immune system and environmental stresses, and strategies for engineering optimal disease-resistant plants. Towards a systems-level view of the microtubule cytoskeleton and its functions in physiology and disease Microtubules are essential components of the cytoskeleton, yet important links between their molecular properties and organismal functions remain unresolved. In this Roadmap, Janke et al. discuss key challenges, emerging opportunities and integrative approaches to connect microtubule regulation with physiology, ageing and disease. Carsten Janke Anna Akhmanova Zdenek Lansky Roadmap 27 Aug 2026 Towards a systems-level view of the microtubule cytoskeleton and its functions in physiology and disease Microtubules are essential components of the cytoskeleton, yet important links between their molecular properties and organismal functions remain unresolved. In this Roadmap, Janke et al. discuss key challenges, emerging opportunities and integrative approaches to connect microtubule regulation with physiology, ageing and disease. Regulation and roles of mammalian mitophagy Mitophagy contributes to cellular homeostasis through the recycling of damaged mitochondria and precise control of mitochondrial numbers. In this Review, Martens and Ganley summarize the molecular mechanisms involved in mitophagy pathways, mitophagy regulation and roles in disease. Sascha Martens Ian G. Ganley Review Article 14 Aug 2026 Regulation and roles of mammalian mitophagy Mitophagy contributes to cellular homeostasis through the recycling of damaged mitochondria and precise control of mitochondrial numbers. In this Review, Martens and Ganley summarize the molecular mechanisms involved in mitophagy pathways, mitophagy regulation and roles in disease. Mechanisms of transcription termination across the coding and noncoding loci of the genome Transcription termination by RNA polymerase II is a tightly regulated process that involves RNA surveillance and the chromatin environment. This Review discusses the interactions between transcription termination, RNA processing, nuclear RNA decay and mRNP export, which together guide RNA fate. Aixia Song Minhui Hu Fei Xavier Chen Review Article 10 Aug 2026 Mechanisms of transcription termination across the coding and noncoding loci of the genome Transcription termination by RNA polymerase II is a tightly regulated process that involves RNA surveillance and the chromatin environment. This Review discusses the interactions between transcription termination, RNA processing, nuclear RNA decay and mRNP export, which together guide RNA fate. Fei Xavier Chen Structure and function of the outer kinetochore Andrea Musacchio Pim J. Huis in ’t Veld Aaron F. Straight Review Article 03 Aug 2026 Structure and function of the centromere and inner kinetochore Rae R. Brown Pim J. Huis in ’t Veld Aaron F. Straight Review Article 03 Aug 2026 Regulation of RNA transcript elongation in metazoans and its relevance to disease Claudia A. Mimoso Isaac Fianu Karen Adelman Review Article 30 Jul 2026 Exchange dynamics and kinetic control of gene regulation complexes Alexander Johnson-Buck Adrien Chauvier Nils G. Walter Perspective 30 Jul 2026 Structure and function of the outer kinetochore Andrea Musacchio Pim J. Huis in ’t Veld Aaron F. Straight Review Article 03 Aug 2026 Structure and function of the outer kinetochore Andrea Musacchio Pim J. Huis in ’t Veld Aaron F. Straight Structure and function of the centromere and inner kinetochore Rae R. Brown Pim J. Huis in ’t Veld Aaron F. Straight Review Article 03 Aug 2026 Structure and function of the centromere and inner kinetochore Pim J. Huis in ’t Veld

Aaron F. Straight Regulation of RNA transcript elongation in metazoans and its relevance to disease Claudia A. Mimoso Isaac Fianu Karen Adelman Review Article 30 Jul 2026 Regulation of RNA transcript elongation in metazoans and its relevance to disease Claudia A. Mimoso Exchange dynamics and kinetic control of gene regulation complexes Alexander Johnson-Buck Adrien Chauvier Nils G. Walter Perspective 30 Jul 2026 Exchange dynamics and kinetic control of gene regulation complexes Alexander Johnson-Buck Adrien Chauvier Towards 3D-oid models that integrate molecular, morphological and spatial cellular features Combined analyses of cellular omics, morphology and spatial context in 3D-oids would advance tissue studies and organ engineering. Akos Diosdi Fabian J. Theis Peter Horvath Comment 04 Sept 2026 Towards 3D-oid models that integrate molecular, morphological and spatial cellular features Combined analyses of cellular omics, morphology and spatial context in 3D-oids would advance tissue studies and organ engineering. Fabian J. Theis CDK1 links RNA methylation to mitosis progression During mitosis, the m 6 A methyltransferase METTL3 regulates transcription through functional interplay with the positive transcription elongation factor P-TEFb. Lisa Heinke Research Highlight 03 Sept 2026 CDK1 links RNA methylation to mitosis progression During mitosis, the m 6 A methyltransferase METTL3 regulates transcription through functional interplay with the positive transcription elongation factor P-TEFb. Charting meiotic recombination through the discovery of PRDM9 A 2010 paper identified PRDM9 as the sequence-specific regulator of meiotic recombination hotspots, showing it co-evolves with its rapidly changing binding motifs. Florencia Pratto Journal Club 28 Aug 2026 Charting meiotic recombination through the discovery of PRDM9 A 2010 paper identified PRDM9 as the sequence-specific regulator of meiotic recombination hotspots, showing it co-evolves with its rapidly changing binding motifs. Florencia Pratto Not just for splicing — intronless mRNAs reveal role of nuclear speckles in nuclear export The discovery that nuclear speckles support the nuclear export of intronless mRNAs expanded our understanding of their roles in gene regulation. Katherine Alexander Journal Club 26 Aug 2026 Not just for splicing — intronless mRNAs reveal role of nuclear speckles in nuclear export The discovery that nuclear speckles support the nuclear export of intronless mRNAs expanded our understanding of their roles in gene regulation. Katherine Alexander The use of homology-directed repair in a complex landscape of genome editors This Comment discusses the uses of Cas-induced homology-directed repair in the evolving landscape of highly specialized genome editing tools. Eric J. Aird Jacob E. Corn Comment 24 Aug 2026 The use of homology-directed repair in a complex landscape of genome editors This Comment discusses the uses of Cas-induced homology-directed repair in the evolving landscape of highly specialized genome editing tools. Spatial-EV-seq provides a tissue map of extracellular vesicles In this Tools of the Trade article, Xu and Zhang (Yang lab) discuss the invention of Spatial-EV-seq, which allows researchers to spatially map extracellular vesicles in tissue slices. Xing Xu Guihua Zhang Tools of the Trade 14 Aug 2026 Spatial-EV-seq provides a tissue map of extracellular vesicles In this Tools of the Trade article, Xu and Zhang (Yang lab) discuss the invention of Spatial-EV-seq, which allows researchers to spatially map extracellular vesicles in tissue slices. Technologies and techniques Trending - Altmetric The molecular basis of transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II The molecular basis of transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II Mechanisms of transcription termination across the coding and noncoding loci of the genome Mechanisms of transcription termination across the coding and noncoding loci of the genome Regulation of RNA transcript elongation in metazoans and its relevance to disease Regulation of RNA transcript elongation in metazoans and its relevance to disease CDK1 links RNA methylation to mitosis progression CDK1 links RNA methylation to mitosis progression The AITHYRA International PhD Program Call in AI for Biomedicine (all genders) Join AITHYRA in Vienna for a fully funded PhD position at the intersection of machine learning, experimental biology, chemistry, and medicine. Vienna (Landbezirke) (AT) AITHYRA GmbH - Research Institute for Biomedical Artificial Intelligence of the Austrian Academy of Sciences The AITHYRA International PhD Program Call in AI for Biomedicine (all genders) Join AITHYRA in Vienna for a fully funded PhD position at the intersection of machine learning, experimental biology, chemistry, and medicine. Vienna (Landbezirke) (AT) AITHYRA GmbH - Research Institute for Biomedical Artificial Intelligence of the Austrian Academy of Sciences Director, Van Andel Institute Cancer Center and Chair, Department of Cell and Cancer Biology Van Andel Institute is making a major, multi-year investment to establish a world-class basic science Cancer Center that aligns with the goals of N... Grand Rapids, Michigan Van Andel Institute Director, Van Andel Institute Cancer Center and Chair, Department of Cell and Cancer Biology Van Andel Institute is making a major, multi-year investment to establish a world-class basic science Cancer Center that aligns with the goals of N... Grand Rapids, Michigan Van Andel Institute Post Doctoral Research Scientist Post-Doctoral Research Scientist Position in Human Transplantation Immunology at the Columbia Center for Translational Immunology in New York, NY New York City, New York (US) Columbia Center for Translational Immunoogy Post Doctoral Research Scientist Post-Doctoral Research Scientist Position in Human Transplantation Immunology at the Columbia Center for Translational Immunology in New York, NY New York City, New York (US) Columbia Center for Translational Immunoogy Principal Investigator(s) in Reproduction, Pregnancy and Developmental Biology The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute is recruiting emerging leaders in Reproduction, Pregnancy and Developmental Biology. Toronto (City), Ontario (CA) Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute Principal Investigator(s) in Reproduction, Pregnancy and Developmental Biology The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute is recruiting emerging leaders in Reproduction, Pregnancy and Developmental Biology. Toronto (City), Ontario (CA) Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute Faculty Position in Neuroscience - University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (Pharmacology) Assistant or Associate Professor faculty position in the Department of Pharmacology at University of Colorado School of Medicine in Neuroscience. Aurora, Colorado University of Colorado Anschutz Faculty Position in Neuroscience - University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (Pharmacology) Assistant or Associate Professor faculty position in the Department of Pharmacology at University of Colorado School of Medicine in Neuroscience. Aurora, Colorado University of Colorado Anschutz Explore articles by subject Guide to authors Editorial policies