Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 30 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01034-3Technological prominence alone does not justify leadership in SynCell governance

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 28 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01031-6p53 loss induces global increase of transcription that causes nucleotide shortage and replication stress, thereby driving formation of DNA double-strand breaks and chromothripsis.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 18 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01026-3This Review focuses on the choice between homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining in DNA double-strand break repair. The antagonistic roles of 53BP1 and BRCA1–BARD1, the contribution of RNA–DNA hybrids and implications for targeting repair imbalance in cancer are discussed.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 18 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01026-3This Review focuses on the choice between homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining in DNA double-strand break repair. The antagonistic roles of 53BP1 and BRCA1–BARD1, the contribution of RNA–DNA hybrids and implications for targeting repair imbalance in cancer are discussed.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 14 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01017-4Single-molecule genomics methods are used to study the activity of regulatory factors on individual DNA molecules genome-wide, thereby enabling quantification of molecular heterogeneity and co-occurrence of regulatory events. This Expert Recommendation article provides a practical guide for adopting single-molecule genomics and outlines best practices.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 14 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01017-4Single-molecule genomics methods are used to study the activity of regulatory factors on individual DNA molecules genome-wide, thereby enabling quantification of molecular heterogeneity and co-occurrence of regulatory events. This Expert Recommendation article provides a practical guide for adopting single-molecule genomics and outlines best practices.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 11 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01028-1Four recent studies that have differently assessed PRC2–RNA interactions reveal key technical pitfalls underlying research in the field.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 11 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01028-1Four recent studies that have differently assessed PRC2–RNA interactions reveal key technical pitfalls underlying research in the field.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 04 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01025-4Combined analyses of cellular omics, morphology and spatial context in 3D-oids would advance tissue studies and organ engineering.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 03 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01027-2During mitosis, the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 regulates transcription through functional interplay with the positive transcription elongation factor P-TEFb.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 04 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01025-4Combined analyses of cellular omics, morphology and spatial context in 3D-oids would advance tissue studies and organ engineering.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 04 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01019-2Recent 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.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 03 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01027-2During mitosis, the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 regulates transcription through functional interplay with the positive transcription elongation factor P-TEFb.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 28 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01020-9A 2010 paper identified PRDM9 as the sequence-specific regulator of meiotic recombination hotspots, showing it co-evolves with its rapidly changing binding motifs.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 27 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01011-wMicrotubules 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.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 27 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01009-4This 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.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01024-5The discovery that nuclear speckles support the nuclear export of intronless mRNAs expanded our understanding of their roles in gene regulation.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 28 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01020-9A 2010 paper identified PRDM9 as the sequence-specific regulator of meiotic recombination hotspots, showing it co-evolves with its rapidly changing binding motifs.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 27 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01011-wMicrotubules 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.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 24 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01018-3This Comment discusses the uses of Cas-induced homology-directed repair in the evolving landscape of highly specialized genome editing tools.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 27 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01009-4This 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.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 26 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01024-5The discovery that nuclear speckles support the nuclear export of intronless mRNAs expanded our understanding of their roles in gene regulation.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 24 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01018-3This Comment discusses the uses of Cas-induced homology-directed repair in the evolving landscape of highly specialized genome editing tools.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 14 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01016-5In 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.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 14 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01012-9Mitophagy 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.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 13 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01014-7This Journal Club highlights the landmark study that provided the first evidence of regeneration in mammals, demonstrating that neonatal mice can regenerate damaged hearts and influencing regenerative medicine until today.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 12 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41598-026-62801-yModel-free multiparametric analysis of SHG images reveals collagen signatures in breast cancer

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 12 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41598-026-66901-7Development of samarium-153 oxide loaded polystyrene radiotracer particles for gamma scintigraphy of whole gastrointestinal transit study

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 12 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41598-026-64954-2AlzheiNN: a convolutional neural network-based model for Alzheimer’s disease classification

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 12 August 2026; doi:10.1057/s41599-026-08677-9The impact of CEOs’ multidisciplinary backgrounds on corporate financing and investment maturity mismatch

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 12 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41598-026-66659-yExperiences of kinesiophobia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative phenomenological study

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 12 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01015-6Li Du advocates for stronger legal frameworks and an interdisciplinary, international approach to governing synthetic cell research.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 11 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01010-xBacterial persisters and drug-tolerant persister cells in cancer both show reprogrammed iron homeostasis and a vulnerability to ferroptosis. Agostinis and Rodriguez propose that this iron logic is a conserved principle with implications for therapeutics development.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 14 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01016-5In 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.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 14 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01012-9Mitophagy 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.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 10 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01005-8Transcription 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.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 10 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01013-8Biological systems are exposed to complex combinations of environmental stressors, yet research often studies single stress conditions in isolation. In this Comment, the authors argue that studying multifactorial stress combinations is essential for understanding biological responses and improving resilience in crops, ecosystems and human health.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 13 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01014-7This Journal Club highlights the landmark study that provided the first evidence of regeneration in mammals, demonstrating that neonatal mice can regenerate damaged hearts and influencing regenerative medicine until today.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 12 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01015-6Li Du advocates for stronger legal frameworks and an interdisciplinary, international approach to governing synthetic cell research.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 11 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01010-xBacterial persisters and drug-tolerant persister cells in cancer both show reprogrammed iron homeostasis and a vulnerability to ferroptosis. Agostinis and Rodriguez propose that this iron logic is a conserved principle with implications for therapeutics development.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 10 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01013-8Biological systems are exposed to complex combinations of environmental stressors, yet research often studies single stress conditions in isolation. In this Comment, the authors argue that studying multifactorial stress combinations is essential for understanding biological responses and improving resilience in crops, ecosystems and human health.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 10 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01005-8Transcription 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.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 03 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-00989-7The kinetochore is a macromolecular complex that assembles on centromeric chromatin and connects spindle microtubules to the chromosome. This Review discusses recent advances in determining the organization of centromeric chromatin and the complete structure and function of the inner kinetochore, which are crucial for accurate chromosome segregation.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 03 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-00988-8The kinetochore orchestrates chromosome segregation. The KMN complex, which forms the core of the outer kinetochore binds to microtubules, recruits regulators and functions as a switch for the spindle assembly checkpoint. Recent integrative imaging, biochemical and structural studies have revealed how the KMN assemblies ensure accurate chromosome segregation.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 03 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-00988-8The kinetochore orchestrates chromosome segregation. The KMN complex, which forms the core of the outer kinetochore binds to microtubules, recruits regulators and functions as a switch for the spindle assembly checkpoint. Recent integrative imaging, biochemical and structural studies have revealed how the KMN assemblies ensure accurate chromosome segregation.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 03 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-00989-7The kinetochore is a macromolecular complex that assembles on centromeric chromatin and connects spindle microtubules to the chromosome. This Review discusses recent advances in determining the organization of centromeric chromatin and the complete structure and function of the inner kinetochore, which are crucial for accurate chromosome segregation.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 30 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-00991-zRecent evidence reveals how gene expression complexes form transient assemblies that continually exchange their subunits under kinetic control. This Perspective proposes that these dynamics form the basis of RNA processing and gene regulation.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 30 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01008-5MBS1 condensates induced by high light conditions shield chloroplasts and prevent accumulation of singlet oxygen, thereby conferring tolerance without reduction in photosynthesis.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 30 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01003-wThis Review discusses how transcript elongation by RNA polymerase II is regulated and how obstacles such as nucleosomes are overcome. Also discussed are the roles of transcription surveillance machineries, which ensure mRNA integrity and suppress spurious transcription, and how elongation defects contribute to diseases.

Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Published online: 29 July 2026; doi:10.1038/s41580-026-01007-6Gene escape from X-chromosome inactivation can cause sex-biased diseases. A workflow is presented to help find escape genes and experimentally manipulate their expression.