Cell Guidance Systems Blog

In addition to substrate elasticity (durotaxis) and chemical gradients (chemotaxis), which we explored in previous blog articles, surface topography also impacts cell movement and behavior. Cells develop and function embedded within in a highly complex, and evolving, extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. Various biochemical and biophysical ECM cellular cues and their subsequent cell responses shape the development and homeostasis of tissues. An important component of this extracellular environment, governing cell function and behaviour, is the differing micro-/nanotopographical features.

In a previous article about durotaxis, we discussed how cell movements can be guided by elasticity cues at the cell-substrate interface. Here, we focus on the process of cell migration following biochemical cues and the clinical benefits promised by this developing area of research.

The distinction between peptides and proteins is not always apparent, but it is important to understand. Peptides and proteins are, indeed, fundamentally the same, each being composed of amino acids held together by peptide bonds. However, fundamental differences between proteins and peptides go beyond an arbitrary length threshold. Look closer and they differ in structure, function, and therapeutic use.

Since as early as the 1990s, a myriad of AI-driven healthcare technology has successfully reached the market. Perhaps one of most astounding—and maybe slightly unsettling—inventions of all involves the development of Xenobots, a new class of synthetic organisms that blur the lines between the physical, digital and biological worlds.

A recent paper exploring the use of optimized virus like particles (VLPs) to deliver base editing proteins has shown impressive levels of efficacy and, importantly, low levels of off-target activity in mouse models of therapy for brain, eye and liver disease.

In this report, we provide details on 45 companies that have emerged over the last decade to pursue exosome therapeutics and diagnostic goals. Two tables provide a quick reference for this information on investor funding and founding date. A further table provides a summary of 242 exosome-focused clinical trials.

Tissue development and homeostasis relies on the availability of spatiotemporal reference points provided by localized variations in physical and chemical parameters. These create gradients along which cells can move and be maintained. Durotaxis is a less well-known but important mechanism by which cells move along a gradient of elasticity (stiffness).

Therapeutic RNA delivery can be accomplished by a variety of viral or non-viral methods. The type of RNA structure carried by these diverse delivery methods also varies (e.g., oligonucleotides, miRNA, siRNA, lncRNA, mRNA, saRNAs). The particular delivery method used is dependent on the types of RNA and the target and is a hugely important consideration for the development of effective drugs.

GFP has given rise to a powerful and versatile molecular toolbox. Cycles of rational design and directed mutagenesis, as well as the isolation of entirely new fluorophores from different species, are continuously pushing the capabilities of fluorescent protein (FP) biosensors to photophysical and biochemical extremes.

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was isolated from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria in the early 1960s. On its way to earning Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie and Roger Tsien a Nobel prize in 2008, this protein and variants derived from it have illuminated countless scientific explorations and shed light on many previously dark secrets of biology, proving almost indispensable in life science research. A plethora of variants and new fluorescent proteins are building on the legacy of this versatile molecular biology tool.