Biophysical mechanisms of stem cell regulation

未分化的组织和分化的组织之间的相互作用允许身体的精细调节 动态平衡。关于这一过程背后的分子事件，有很多未知之处，但它很可能涉及 成体干细胞被激活。除了动态平衡，干细胞可能被利用来诱导 再生因衰老、癌症或损伤而受损的组织的再生这种生物医学方法需要 对干细胞自然行为的基本分子理解。作为对当前关注的补充 生物化学信号，我们将探索一组重要但在很大程度上神秘的细胞控制参数： 离子流。将在这项提议中检验的主要假设是干细胞在一定程度上受 由缝隙连接通讯和离子通道和泵的活动所传递的生物物理信号。 利用一个强大的模型系统--行星虫，我提议从分子和机械的角度洞察 内源性生理信号调节成体间相互作用的新的重要作用 生理转化和再生过程中的干细胞和分化组织。

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.