In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) have unraveled the mysterious language of cell communication. By applying complex theoretical computer models, the interdisciplinary team led by ISTA Professor Edouard Hannezo has shed light on the intricate ways cells communicate and collaborate inside living tissues, opening up new possibilities for future applications in wound healing and beyond.
Cells, it turns out, communicate through waves, much like humans exchanging signals. Imagine a bustling concert crowd; when one person moves, others nearby react, either moving in the same direction or pulling away in response. The same phenomenon occurs within a Petri dish, where cells appear static but are actually in constant motion, swirling and engaging in chaotic behaviors. This remarkable discovery was made possible through microscopic observation, revealing how information propagates and travels in waves, both mechanically and chemically.
To comprehend the mechanics of these cell interactions, Daniel Boocock, Hannezo, and long-term collaborator Tsuyoshi Hirashima devised a sophisticated theoretical model, which has been published in the prestigious journal PRX Life. The model captures the complex mechanical forces applied by cells to one another and their simultaneous biochemical activity, providing a comprehensive understanding of long-range cell-cell communication.
Through the model, the scientists sought to validate their previous theories about cell movement from one region to another. The computer simulations took into account cell motility and the material properties of the tissue, leading Boocock and Hannezo to uncover how cells communicate both mechanically and chemically while in motion. Remarkably, the model successfully replicated the observed phenomena in Petri dishes, confirming the theoretical basis of cell communication rooted in fundamental physical laws.
To test the model in real biological systems, Boocock and Hannezo collaborated with biophysicist Tsuyoshi Hirashima. They used 2D monolayers of MDCK cells, a specific type of mammalian kidney cells known for in vitro research. By inhibiting a chemical signaling pathway responsible for cells sensing and generating forces, the scientists observed that cell movement ceased, and communication waves halted. The model’s versatility allows for adjustments to different components of the complex system, providing insights into tissue dynamics under varying conditions.
This breakthrough research doesn’t stop at understanding cell communication. Cellular tissue shares similarities with liquid crystals, combining the flow of a liquid with the ordered structure of a crystal. The researchers are eager to explore this liquid crystal-like behavior further and investigate its interplay with mechanochemical waves. Moreover, they are already optimizing the model for wound healing applications. Preliminary computer simulations have shown that by enhancing information flow within the tissue, healing processes can be accelerated, offering promising prospects for practical applications in the future.
The potential of this research extends beyond Petri dishes, as the team envisions further investigations in 3D tissues or monolayers with complex shapes, akin to living organisms. By deciphering the intricate language of cell communication, this groundbreaking study paves the way for transformative advances in biology, medicine, and possibly, the treatment of various ailments within living organisms.
