Cell biology is the study of life at its most fundamental unit: the cell. This field explores how these microscopic building blocks function, communicate, and replicate to sustain living organisms, from the simplest bacteria to complex human tissues. By understanding the machinery inside a cell, scientists unlock secrets about growth, disease, and the very nature of existence itself.

At Gist.Science, we track every new preprint uploaded to bioRxiv within this dynamic category. Our team processes each submission to provide both accessible plain-language explanations and detailed technical summaries, ensuring you can grasp complex discoveries without getting lost in dense jargon. Below are the latest papers in cell biology, offering a fresh look at the inner workings of life as they are shared with the world.

📄 cell biology

CD14 and and TLR4 contribute to the circadian regulation of retinal phagocytosis as co-receptors

This study demonstrates that the innate immunity receptors CD14 and TLR4 act as tissue-specific co-receptors that, through MyD88-dependent kinase signaling and circadian replenishment, collaborate with other receptors like MerTK and CD36 to regulate the daily peak of photoreceptor outer segment phagocytosis in retinal pigment epithelium cells.

Dhaoui Hajem, L., Enderlin, J., Rieu, Q., Krim, S., Parnasse, J. C., Materne, C., Marcelin, G., Huby, T., Nandrot, E. F.2026-03-01
📄 cell biology

Parkinson's disease linked LRRK2 G2019S drives oxidative nuclear DNA damage and PARP1 hyperactive signaling

This study reveals that the Parkinson's disease-associated LRRK2 G2019S mutation induces reactive oxygen species-dependent nuclear DNA damage, leading to unresolved base excision repair and cytotoxic PARP1 hyperactivation that renders cells vulnerable to PARP-trapping inhibitors.

Liu, J., Gonzalez-Hunt, C. P., Richbourg, T., Barraza, I., Chen, C., Montes, C., Ma, L., Cao, R., Hanumaihgari, V., Gass (…)2026-03-01
📄 cell biology

Real-Time Cell Analysis Reveals Distinct Roles of S100A4 in Regulating Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of JAR Choriocarcinoma Cells

This study demonstrates that S100A4 silencing in JAR choriocarcinoma cells specifically inhibits proliferation and migration without inducing apoptosis or altering invasion, while triggering compensatory signaling rewiring involving elevated IRS1/PI3K and suppressed Akt1.

Yu, B., Ding, H.-G., Zhang, F., Lin, H.-M., Xia, G.-Y., Jiang, Y.-J., Zhao, J., Li, G.-P., Ding, J.-L., Ding, N., Zhang (…)2026-02-28
📄 cell biology

In differentiated HL-60 neutrophil-like cells, MRP1- (ABCC1-) mediated glutathione efflux stimulated by BzATP and P2X7 receptor signalling regulates exosome release through nSMase activity

In differentiated HL-60 neutrophil-like cells, BzATP-activated P2X7 receptor signaling triggers a PI3K/AKT-MRP1-dependent pathway that depletes intracellular glutathione to activate nSMase, thereby driving ceramide-mediated exosome biogenesis as a mechanism for translating inflammatory cues into vesicle communication.

Muriana Tintor, E., Sharif, A., Moreno-Sanchez, L., Antwi-Baffour, S., Inal, J. M.2026-02-28
📄 cell biology

Analysis of stress-induced surfaceome remodeling reveals surface accumulation of the cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CI-M6PR)

This study reveals that diverse stressors inhibit endocytosis to remodel the cell surface, with osmotic stress specifically driving the accumulation of the cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (CI-M6PR) through reduced internalization and enhanced lysosomal exocytosis to promote cellular resilience.

Mazzone, F. R., Graessle, G., Storchova, Z., Raeschle, M., Maritzen, T.2026-02-27
📄 cell biology

Integrin beta 1 and mannose receptor 2 are involved in the antifungal activity of bronchial epithelial cells through Aspergillus fumigatus lectin FleA interactions

This study identifies that bronchial epithelial cells utilize the fungal lectin FleA to engage host receptors integrin beta 1 and mannose receptor 2, facilitating spore internalization and inhibiting the germination of *Aspergillus fumigatus* into invasive hyphae.

Millet, N., Moreau, A., Tarizzo, M., Marti, L., Varrot, A., Gillon, E., Richard, N., Pionneau, C., Chardonnet, S., Varet (…)2026-02-27
📄 cell biology

Contractile peri-nuclear actomyosin network repositions peripheral and polar chromosomes to promote early kinetochore-microtubule interactions

The study reveals that the contractile peri-nuclear actomyosin network (PANEM) repositions chromosomes from unfavorable peripheral and polar locations immediately after nuclear envelope breakdown to facilitate initial kinetochore-microtubule interactions and ensure high-fidelity chromosome segregation.

Sheidaei, N., Eykelenboom, J. K., Yue, Z., Ball, G., Booth, A. J., Tanaka, T. U.2026-02-26
📄 cell biology

Mapping the functional importance of site-specific ubiquitination across the human proteome

By integrating large-scale proteomics, evolutionary conservation, machine learning, and chemical genomics, this study establishes a comprehensive human reference ubiquitinome and identifies a functional importance score that distinguishes site-specific ubiquitination roles in signaling versus degradation, ultimately revealing how specific modifications like K320 in ELAVL1 regulate critical cellular functions.

van Gerwen, J., Fottner, M., Wang, S., Busby, B., Boswell, E., Schnacke, P., Carrano, A. C., Bakowski, M. A., Troemel, E (…)2026-02-26