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Exposure to environmental contaminants can result in profound effects on the host immune system. One class of environmental toxicants, known as dioxins, are persistent environmental contaminants termed “forever chemicals”. The archetype toxicant from this group of chemicals is 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), an immunotoxicant that activates the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor pathway leading to a variety of changes in immune cell responses. Immune cell functions are crucial to the development and maintenance of healthy reproduction. Immune cells facilitate tolerance between at the maternal-fetal interface between the parent and the semi-allogenic fetus and help defend the gravid reproductive tract from infectious assault. Epidemiological studies reveal that exposure to environmental contaminants (such as TCDD) are linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes including endometriosis, placental inflammation, and preterm birth. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that underpin h 

Tweetable abstract Mitochondrial transplantation has been used to treat various diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Here, we highlight the considerations in quality control mechanisms that should be considered in the context of mitochondrial transplantation. 

Tweetable abstract This perspective considers several avenues for future research on mitochondrial dynamics, stress, and DNA in outer space. 

Abstract OPA1 is a dynamin‐related GTPase that modulates mitochondrial dynamics and cristae integrity. Humans carry eight different isoforms of OPA1 and mice carry five, all of which are expressed as short‐ or long‐form isoforms. These isoforms contribute to OPA1's ability to control mitochondrial energetics and DNA maintenance. However, western blot isolation of all long and short isoforms of OPA1 can be difficult. To address this issue, we developed an optimized western blot protocol based on improving running time to isolate five different isoforms of OPA1 in mouse cells and tissues. This protocol can be applied to study changes in mitochondrial structure and function. © 2025 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Western Blot Protocol for Isolating OPA1 Isoforms in Mouse Primary Skeletal Muscle Cells 

Abstract Junior faculty mentoring committees have important roles in ensuring that faculty thrive and adjust to their new positions and institutions. Here, we describe the purpose, structure, and benefits of junior faculty mentoring committees, which can be a powerful tool for early‐career academic investigators in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical (STEMM) fields. There is a paucity of information about what mentoring committees are, how to use them effectively, what areas they should evaluate, and how they can most successfully help junior faculty progress in their careers. This work offers guidance for both junior faculty mentees and mentoring committee members on how to best structure and utilize mentoring committees to promote junior faculty success. A better understanding of the intricacies of the mentoring committee will allow junior faculty members to self‐advocate and will equip committee mentors with tools to ensure that junior faculty are successful in thriving in academia. 

Abstract Qualifying exams and thesis committees are crucial components of a PhD candidate's journey. However, many candidates have trouble navigating these milestones and knowing what to expect. This article provides advice on meeting the requirements of the qualifying exam, understanding its format and components, choosing effective preparation strategies, retaking the qualifying exam, if necessary, and selecting a thesis committee, all while maintaining one's mental health. This comprehensive guide addresses components of the graduate school process that are often neglected. 

Abstract A first‐generation college student is typically defined as a student whose biological parent(s) or guardian(s) never attended college or who started but did not finish college. However, “first‐generation” can represent diverse family education situations. The first‐generation student community is a multifaceted, and intersectional group of individuals who frequently lack educational/financial resources to succeed and, consequently, require supportive environments with rigorous mentorship. However, first‐generation students often do not make their identity as first‐generation students known to others due to several psychosocial and academic factors. Therefore, they are often “invisible minorities” in higher education. In this paper, we describe the diverse family situations of first‐generation students, further define “first‐generation,” and suggest five actions that first‐generation trainees at the undergraduate/graduate stages can engage in to succeed in an academic climate. We also provide suggestions for mentors to accommodate first‐generation students' unique experiences and equip them with tools to deliver intentional mentoring practices. We hope that this paper will help promote first‐generation student success throughout the academic pipeline. 

Abstract The physical characteristics of brown adipose tissue (BAT) are defined by the presence of multilocular lipid droplets (LDs) within the brown adipocytes and a high abundance of iron‐containing mitochondria, which give it its characteristic color. Normal mitochondrial function is, in part, regulated by organelle‐to‐organelle contacts. For example, the contact sites that mediate mitochondria–LD interactions are thought to have various physiological roles, such as the synthesis and metabolism of lipids. Aging is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, and previous studies show that there are changes in mitochondrial structure and the proteins that modulate organelle contact sites. However, how mitochondria–LD interactions change with aging has yet to be fully clarified. Therefore, we sought to define age‐related changes in LD morphology and mitochondria–lipid interactions in BAT. We examined the three‐dimensional morphology of mitochondria and LDs in young (3‐month) and aged (2‐year) murine BAT using serial block face‐scanning electron microscopy and the Amira program for segmentation, analysis, and quantification. Our analyses showed reductions in LD volume, area, and perimeter in aged samples in comparison to young samples. Additionally, we observed changes in LD appearance and type in aged samples compared to young samples. Notably, we found differences in mitochondrial interactions with LDs, which could implicate that these contacts may be important for energetics in aging. Upon further investigation, we also found changes in mitochondrial and cristae structure for the mitochondria interacting with LDs. Overall, these data define the nature of LD morphology and organelle–organelle contacts during aging and provide insight into LD contact site changes that interconnect biogerontology with mitochondrial function, metabolism, and bioactivity in aged BAT.