Biophysical mechanisms of stem cell regulation

描述（由申请人提供）：未分化组织和分化组织之间的相互作用可以对体内稳态进行精细调节。这一过程背后的分子事件尚不清楚，但很可能与成体干细胞活化有关。除了维持体内平衡外，干细胞还可用于诱导因衰老、癌症或损伤而受损的组织再生。这种生物医学方法需要对干细胞的自然行为有基本的分子理解。为了补充目前对生化信号的关注，我们将探索一组重要但很大程度上神秘的细胞控制参数：离子流。本研究将验证的主要假设是，干细胞在一定程度上是由间隙连接通讯和离子通道和泵的活性介导的生物物理信号控制的。利用一个强大的模型系统，涡虫，我建议从分子和机制上深入了解内源性生理信号在生理转换过程中调节成体干细胞和分化组织之间相互作用的新作用。和再生。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The interplay between undifferentiated and differentiated tissue allows the fine regulation of body homeostasis. Much is unknown about the molecular events underlying this process, but it is likely to involved adult stem cell activation. In addition to homeostasis, stem cells may be harnessed to induce the regeneration of tissue damaged by senescence, cancer, or injury. Such biomedical approaches require a basic molecular understanding of stem cells in their natural behavior. In complement to the current focus on biochemical signals, we will explore an important but largely mysterious set of cellular control parameters: ion flows. The main hypothesis that will be tested in this proposal is that stem cells are controlled in part by biophysical signals mediated by gap junctional communication and the activity of ion channels and pumps. Capitalizing on a powerful model system, the planarian, I propose to gain molecular, mechanistic insight into the novel and important role of endogenous physiological signals regulating the interactions between adult stem cells and differentiating tissue during physiological turnover.and regeneration.