Cell Guidance Systems Blog

During strenuous exercise, anaerobic conditions develop in our muscles as cells rapidly use oxygen. Muscle cells switch to an alternative metabolic pathway that releases lactic acid to cope with reduced oxygen levels. When lactic acid builds up, it can cause cramps. Similarly, media depth can dramatically impact oxygen levels in cell culture. Standardizing this variable, or agitation may help to improve data reproducibility and relevance in cell culture.

Most growth factors produce a sigmoidal dose response curve. However, biphasic responses can also be generated, even from a single receptor. The specific reasons underlying a biphasic dose response caused by FGF-2 biding to FGFR1 have been elucidated.

Aptamers, from the Latin word aptus, meaning to fit, are short (20-100 nucleotide) sequences of synthetic DNA, RNA or peptides that can be used for binding to specific target molecules with high sensitivity and biocompatibility. Exosomes have been used to deliver ATP-sensing DNA aptamers in a model of Alzheimer disease.

Metabolism in multicellular organisms is a complex interplay of biochemical processes that can be broadly categorized into two types: catabolism and anabolism. These processes, that are essential for maintaining life, enabling growth, and ensuring the proper functioning of cells and tissues, are controlled by growth factors and hormones.

Growth factors are critical to many aspects of cell culture including proliferation, differentiation and maintenance. Whilst the effects of insufficient growth factor, such as lack of proliferation, are readily apparent, the effects of adding too much growth factor can be less apparent but equally important.

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (30-150 nm) that play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication by transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between cells. Macrophage-derived exosomes (MDEs) have garnered significant attention in recent years for their role in tumorigenesis, the process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells. Macrophage-Derived Exosomes have key roles in tumorigenesis

Freeze drying, also known as lyophilization, is a dehydration process typically used to preserve structural integrity and the qualities of perishable materials and biological samples. This technique has found significant applications in various fields, including research and medicine. Here, we explore the principles of freeze drying, its applications, and its impact on research and medical practices.

Low-level chronic inflammation is a hallmark of ageing. A recent article in Nature suggests the goals of longevity research to increase healthspan, as well as lifespan, may be achieved by simply inhibiting an inflammatory cytokine.

The RGD peptide is the most widely used in cell culture. RGD is a natural motif that binds to common cell receptors providing binding points to substrates. The origins and the myriad of applications of RGD are discussed.

Collagen can fail to gelate. This may be due to a multiple of factors which are discussed in this article.