The subcellular localization of numerous mRNAs has been demonstrated. This Review presents the different means of mRNA localization described and discusses how they can account for the widespread occurrence of this phenomenon.

R-loops and G-quadruplexes are non-canonical nucleic acid structures with known roles in genome organization. Here, Wulfridge and Sarma highlight emerging roles in DNA repair and transcriptional and epigenetic gene regulation.

Several processes of regulated cell death engage or use mitochondria, which are thus central hubs that not only coordinate cell death but also elicit non-lethal signalling mediated by mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization.

Ferroptosis is a form of cell death that is characterized by morphological abnormalities of mitochondria and the overwhelming peroxidation of phospholipids. Certain tumours are susceptible to ferroptosis, which could be exploited to treat cancers.

Shi, Zhou, Xuan, Jiang et al. identify a population of CD8⁺ T cells that migrate from bone marrow to the small intestine during leukaemogenesis and then traffic back to contribute to anti-leukaemia immune responses during chemotherapy treatment.

Werbowetski-Ogilvie, Taylor and colleagues report a noncanonical role for OTX2 in regulating alternative splicing and controlling a stem cell and pro-tumorigenic splicing program in group 3 medulloblastoma.

Zhou et al. show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIAD3A assembles into liquid–liquid phase-separated droplets that contain tau and promote conversion to fibrillar aggregates and tau autophagic degradation.

Schwab, Rao et al. report that Zeb1 mediates enhanced ferroptosis sensitivity in cancer cells after EMT activation, associated with altered expression of selected lipogenic enzymes and an subsequent increase in the PUFA:MUFA ratio.

Zhou, Jiang, Dai et al report that upon ultraviolet-C radiation, full-length GSDME can induce pyroptosis without cleavage, likely due to conformational change and oxidative oligomerization after increased PARylation and mitochondrial lipid ROS levels.

Cai et al. show that, in lysosomes under hydrostatic pressure in macrophages, lysosomal mechanosensitive channels cause a cation leak. This leads to the inhibition of mTORC1, activation of TFEB/TFE3 and release of monocyte chemoattractant proteins.

Volume electron microscopy (vEM) generates large 3D volumes of cells or tissues at nanoscale resolutions, enabling analyses of organelles in their cellular environment. Here, we provide examples of vEM in cell biology and discuss community efforts to develop standards in sample preparation and image acquisition for enhanced reproducibility and data reuse.

Despite the constant renewal of their components, cellular actin networks maintain their overall appearance, through a subtle balance of filament assembly and disassembly. This balance is key to the remodelling of cellular architecture. We discuss the significance of in vitro reconstitutions in deciphering the complexity of actin regulation.

Scientists must actively advocate for infrastructure development and funding of emerging research directions through collective efforts. In India, this has been crucial to help reverse the brain drain and enable equitable contributions to research and development at the global level.

In this piece, I share a personal encounter that underscores the glaring gaps in conference accessibility and challenges faced by disabled academics. I reveal historical biases and resistance to change and propose ways to transform conferences into more inclusive spaces, ensuring that all scientists can fully participate in the scientific discourse.

Eiji Hara is a professor at the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Japan. Eiji recalls the discovery of the basis for the irreversibility of cellular senescence, published in Nature Cell Biology in 2006.