MADRID, 18 (EUROPA PRESS)
A new study has revealed that the body's cells change their shape to close spaces such as wounds. Specifically, a portion of the cell flexes depending on the curve of the space and the organization of the cell's internal structures.
Epithelial cells line the internal and external surfaces of the body, forming a barrier that protects against physical damage, pathogens, and dehydration. They play a key role in the absorption of nutrients and the elimination of waste products, as well as in the production of substances such as enzymes and hormones.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham (UK) have discovered that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of these cells changes shape in different ways. When the gap curves outward (convex), the ER forms tubular structures, but when the gap curves inward (concave), it forms flat, sheet-like structures.
The researchers discovered that pushing forces on the outward-curved edges and pulling forces on the inward-curved edges change the shape of the ER through different mechanisms.
When a space has convex edges, the cells use a pulling motion with wide, flat extensions, but in the case of concave edges, a purse-string motion occurs, in which the cells contract to bring the edges together.
In their article published in Nature Cell Biology, researchers from the UK and India point out that the ER's ability to reorganize in response to border curvature and determine the mode of epithelial migration highlights its crucial role in cell behavior.
THEY USED MATHEMATICAL AND IMAGE MODELS
Scientists used specialized techniques to create tiny gaps in the cell layers and employed advanced mathematical and imaging models to understand how the ER changes shape and helps epithelial cells move.
"Wound healing is an important response to injury. Our study opens new avenues for exploring the mechanisms underlying epithelial gap closure and its broader implications for health and disease by identifying a novel role for the ER in this process," said Simran Rawal of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Hyderabad, India, who performed most of the experiments.
“The role of the ER in cell movement is not only a fascinating scientific discovery, but also a potential game-changer for various medical treatments and therapies. Using mathematical models to understand how cells repair themselves could lead to better wound treatments, new methods for regenerating damaged tissue, or a better understanding of how cancer cells spread, leading to new strategies for preventing or slowing metastasis,” said Dr. Pradeep Keshavanarayana, who developed the mathematical model while a research fellow at the University of Birmingham.
Corresponding author Professor Fabian Spill of the University of Birmingham commented: "This project is a great example of fruitful interdisciplinary collaboration. Previously, we studied endothelial monolayers, the cells that line blood vessels, and investigated how mechanical and geometric features regulate the spaces within the monolayer that can cause leaks."
"The experiments showed a novel and unexpected relationship between organelles and cell shape and monolayer behavior. Combining these excellent experiments by Simran and her collaborators with the mathematical model developed by Pradeep led to the identification of a new organelle-mediated mechanism for sensing mechanics and geometry," he concluded.
