Category: Blog
-
How to Learn Wnt–β-Catenin Signalling: From PORCN and Frizzled–LRP6 to the Destruction Complex, Nuclear β-Catenin and Cell-Fate Control
Distinct learning-progression job: Build reasoning from the question “how can a secreted Wnt protein change whether β-catenin is destroyed?” to Wnt lipidation and secretion, Frizzled–LRP5/6 receptor assembly, Dishevelled/LRP6 signalosome formation, Axin–APC–CK1–GSK3 destruction-complex control, β-TrCP-dependent turnover, β-catenin stabilization and TCF/LEF-dependent transcription, while keeping receptor clustering, pathway amplification, R-spondin receptor maintenance, cell-adhesion β-catenin and non-canonical Wnt outputs…
-
How to Learn Eukaryotic Non-Homologous End Joining: From Ku–DNA-PK End Capture to Artemis Processing, XRCC4–XLF Synapsis and Ligase IV Repair
Distinct learning-progression job: Build reasoning from the question “how can a cell reconnect a broken chromosome when no intact template is immediately available?” to Ku70/Ku80 end capture, DNA-PKcs recruitment and synapsis, DNA-end protection versus processing, Artemis and end-cleaning enzymes, polymerase μ/λ gap filling, XRCC4–XLF/PAXX scaffolding, DNA ligase IV sealing, pathway choice against resection/HR, and the…
-
How to Learn Hippo–YAP/TAZ Mechanotransduction: From Cell Density and Matrix Stiffness to LATS Kinases, Nuclear YAP and TEAD Transcription
Distinct learning-progression job: Build reasoning from the question “how can a cell turn physical stiffness, crowding or stretch into a transcriptional decision?” to the MST1/2–SAV1–LATS1/2–MOB1 kinase cascade, YAP/TAZ phosphorylation and 14-3-3 retention, NF2/AMOT/contact-junction control, integrin–Rho–actomyosin and nuclear-mechanics inputs, microtubule-dependent AMOT turnover, TEAD-dependent transcription and the distinction between canonical Hippo signalling, broader mechanotransduction and downstream growth/regeneration…
-
How to Learn Legume–Rhizobium Root Nodule Symbiosis: From Nod Factors to Infection Threads, Nitrogenase and Fixed-Nitrogen Exchange
Distinct learning-progression job: Build reasoning from the question “how can a plant invite one soil bacterium inside without treating it as a pathogen?” to flavonoid–NodD dialogue, Nod-factor synthesis and LysM-receptor recognition, nuclear calcium oscillations, CCaMK/CYCLOPS/NIN signalling, root-hair infection threads, cortical nodule organogenesis, rhizobial release into symbiosomes, bacteroid differentiation, oxygen-buffered nitrogenase chemistry, carbon-for-nitrogen exchange and systemic…
-
How to Learn cGAS–STING Cytosolic DNA Sensing: From DNA Recognition to 2′3′-cGAMP, Golgi STING Activation and Interferon Control
Distinct learning-progression job: Build reasoning from the basic question “why is DNA in the wrong cellular compartment an alarm?” to dsDNA recognition by cGAS, 2′3′-cGAMP synthesis, STING ligand binding and oligomerisation, ER-to-Golgi trafficking, palmitoylation/clustering, TBK1–IRF3 signalling, type-I interferon output, nucleosome-based self-DNA restraint, micronuclear/mitochondrial DNA activation and ESCRT/lysosome-mediated signal termination. Canonical boundary: Microorganisms, Infection and Immunity…
-
How to Learn mTORC1 Lysosomal Nutrient Sensing: From Amino-Acid Sensors to Rag GTPases, Rheb and Growth–Autophagy Decisions
Distinct learning-progression job: Build reasoning from the simple question “how does a cell know whether it has enough material and energy to grow?” to cytosolic and lysosomal nutrient sensors, GATOR/KICSTOR/Ragulator control of Rag GTPases, lysosomal recruitment of mTORC1, growth-factor control of Rheb through TSC, energy-stress control through AMPK, and the downstream choice between biosynthesis, translation,…
