Magic embryology: control of differentiation (Introduction)

by David Turell , Tuesday, November 09, 2021, 15:48 (1111 days ago) @ David Turell

Stem cells follow outside controls in differentiation:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211108130842.htm

"Stem cells are true multi-talents. They can develop into any cell type of an organism -- in humans there are over 200 -- and thus perform all vital tasks. Once the stem cells have decided on a task they can no longer be deterred from their goal. The final product, tissues and organs, almost always look the same and consist of defined proportions of different specialised cell types. But how do the cells actually know what they want to become and how many of them are actually allowed to do so?

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"Using stem cells in a test tube, the researchers were able to show that decision-making does not take place purely randomly at the level of individual cells, as previously assumed, but is communicated within the cell community. (my bold)

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"If the researchers took away a growth factor that was important for cell development, the cells were no longer able to develop into fruit bladder precursor cells even in the presence of high amounts of GATA. However, the more of the growth factor the cells received, the more fruit bladder precursor cells also developed. Their ability to divide into the right proportions of the two cell types despite disturbances was thus lost. Stem cells must therefore communicate with each other in order to make the right decision.

"'Communication in cell development is like working in a team. If the members choose tasks without consulting each other, some things are done twice and others not at all. A team that communicates well, on the other hand, can solve problems that arise and complete even complex projects reliably and efficiently," Christian Schröter says. "So it's not just the state of the individual cell that decides on its faith, but the functioning communication with the other cells.'"

Comment: In embryology the fetus develops in a standard pattern. The overall plan is fixed, so the result is always the same if no mistakes happen. Under guidance differentiating cell communities cooperate, but end up with a fixed result automatically.