From high school banks, we have learned that cells assume a spherical form during mitosis, not only to facilitate the formation of the mitotic spindle (temporary structure that forms during cell division), but also to ensure adequate separation of genetic material.
Now, in a recent study, scientists at the University of Manchester, in the United Kingdom, say it is not quite, that is, a mother cell does not always become spherical before dividing itself into two daughter cells of equal size and shape.
In the article, Published in Science Magazinethe authors suggest “that mitotic cellular rounding is far from a universal feature of mesenchymal cell division and is often adjusted elegantly [adaptável] by pre-mithotic cell morphology ”.
This statement represents an important change in the scientific understanding of cellular behavior during mitosis, especially in the case of mesenchymal cells, a multipotent stem cell group found in bone marrow, umbilical cord, fat and dental pulp.
As they are naturally elongated, mobile and adaptable, what the study showed was that they can continue to divide effectively, Even without having to round up, which was once thought to be unfeasible.
Filming cell division into transparent fish
To prove their hypotheses, the authors observed, in real time, the formation of blood vessels in transparent embryos of newborn -zebra fish. They realized that this circulatory network is made up of migratory cellular filaments under the leadership of a state -of -the -art cell.
Contrary to expectations, the study showed that when this cutting -edge cell divided, it did not “round out.” In doing so, it allowed an asymmetrical division, which generated a new quick -end cell on the front, followed by a slower posterior cell, proving the flexibility of the mitotic process.
First author of the study, Holly Lovegrove explained in a statement that “using a day-to-day transparent-fish embryos allows us to study a dynamic process like cell division within a living organism.”
In addition to filming cellular behavior, the team also used the so -called “micropadronization” in human cells. The technique “allows us to generate microscopic fragments of protein with specific formats to which cells can adhere to,” explains co -author Georgia Hulmes.
Alvéole’s cousin system, used for micropadronization, works with a UV laser that records shapes on non -adherent surfaces, creating patterns where cells can adhere and assume specific formats. The technique allows you to manipulate cells with one tenth of the thickness of a human hair.
Implications for “non -round” cell division
The authors have shown that the degree of cellular rounding during mitosis acts as a trigger that promotes asymmetrical cell division. Contrary to popular belief, the data suggest that mesenchymal cells do not round out and have their form influenced by premithotic morphology.
According to the study, this phenomenon allows cells to use their physical shape, still at the interphase, as a mold to influence how their daughters will behave after the division . This facilitates control and coordination of the precise form of tissues in the body.
Discoveries on “non -round” cell division have broad implications for disease understanding. In cancer, this asymmetrical division can generate cellular behaviors that potentially promote metastasis and tumor progression.
In regenerative medicine, this knowledge can revolutionize the manufacture of cells for reconstitution of damaged tissues and organs. In the future, scientists will be able to control the function of the child cells just by altering the format of the mother cells before division.
With the discovery that rounding is not mandatory for mitosis, researchers and doctors will be able to rethink cell therapies, regenerate tissues and attack tumors, with greater biological realism and efficiency.
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This content was originally published in cells are not spherical before mitosis, a new study says on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.
