Spontaneous Compartmentalization in Adherent Artificial Cells

Levels of compartmentalization in Artificial Evolution

Tension testing in adherent cells

L ike soloing rock climbers, adherent cells need a good handhold to survive. Ma et al. now identify an adaptor protein that monitors the cell's grip and signals death if the grip fails. Death following detachment, known as anoikis, is a form of programmed cell death that ensures the disposal of displaced adherent cells. Lack of anoikis is thought to give cells metastatic potential. A number of ...

Clonogenic assay: adherent cells.

The clonogenic (or colony forming) assay has been established for more than 50 years; the original paper describing the technique was published in 1956. Apart from documenting the method, the initial landmark study generated the first radiation-dose response curve for X-ray irradiated mammalian (HeLa) cells in culture. Basically, the clonogenic assay enables an assessment of the differences in ...

Physics of adherent cells

One of the most unique physical features of cell adhesion to external surfaces is the active generation of mechanical force at the cell-material interface. This includes pulling forces generated by contractile polymer bundles and networks, and pushing forces generated by the polymerization of polymer networks. These forces are transmitted to the substrate mainly by focal adhesions, which are la...

Gene Expression Profile of Adherent Cells Derived From Human Peripheral Blood: Evidence of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide a novel option in cellular therapy and tissue engineering. Recent studies indicated that it is possible to obtain MSCs from peripheral blood by attachment ability to plastic surface. To evaluate adherent cells derived from peripheral blood, their expression profile and surface markers were investigated. The results of RT-PCR indicated that these cells expre...