Cell structures include strings or tubes making a kind of cellular fabric
This boundary, this cytoskeleton connects inside/outside. You might call it the decision maker of the cell.
Whereas strings rely on tension,
cells' strings regulate function--they push and pull a cell, they move it, transport ingredients, and they control what genes are expressed--by how these tubules are
stretching, releasing that stretch, and vibrating.
tensegrity. need tension for integrity.
tension + expansion
definition: any physical structure that stabilizes and supports itself by balancing opposing forces of tension and expansion
movement flexing holding tensions, releasing tensions. changing physical structure in those moments.
can influence and/or change cell function. So too, can bodywork, and self-release protocols.
cells must attach, grow, and spread out
spreading out triggers one gene expression
think a cut/wound. cells spread out and "cover the gap;" they multiply
not enough food? cells let go of dish--maturation--another gene expression
mechanical tension influences whether they reproduce, make more of themselves, mature, grow...
and if they let go completely, they express a third gene expression: gentle suicide [apoptosis]
mechanical stress influences what they become and what they do.
soft gel-like "mattress" v. rigid structures
lab experiments have grown breast cancer tissues on different surfaces leading to different cell expression.
Would anyone like to host this cell biologist here in Chicago to listen to her speak on this subject?
Sondra Barrett
This boundary, this cytoskeleton connects inside/outside. You might call it the decision maker of the cell.
Whereas strings rely on tension,
cells' strings regulate function--they push and pull a cell, they move it, transport ingredients, and they control what genes are expressed--by how these tubules are
stretching, releasing that stretch, and vibrating.
tensegrity. need tension for integrity.
tension + expansion
definition: any physical structure that stabilizes and supports itself by balancing opposing forces of tension and expansion
movement flexing holding tensions, releasing tensions. changing physical structure in those moments.
can influence and/or change cell function. So too, can bodywork, and self-release protocols.
cells must attach, grow, and spread out
spreading out triggers one gene expression
think a cut/wound. cells spread out and "cover the gap;" they multiply
not enough food? cells let go of dish--maturation--another gene expression
mechanical tension influences whether they reproduce, make more of themselves, mature, grow...
and if they let go completely, they express a third gene expression: gentle suicide [apoptosis]
mechanical stress influences what they become and what they do.
soft gel-like "mattress" v. rigid structures
lab experiments have grown breast cancer tissues on different surfaces leading to different cell expression.
Would anyone like to host this cell biologist here in Chicago to listen to her speak on this subject?
Sondra Barrett
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