The research results could help to understand how the position of structures in cells can influence the function of the cells themselves, facilitating the onset of many diseases. The research has been published in Nature
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A group of researchers at the Allen Institute in Seattle has analyzed, produced and examined more than 200,000 high-resolution images of cells and discovered that the internal organization of human cells follows precise rules. An organization, as the example is called, comparable to that of an interior designer with home furnishings. The research results could help to understand how the position of structures in cells can influence the function of the cells themselves, facilitating the onset of many diseases. The research has been published in Nature.
The study in brief
Seven years ago, the scientists’ work began with the development of genetically modified stem cells. A specifically intended adjustment so that the internal structures of the cells (25 of the most significant) could light up to become clearly visible under the fluorescence microscope. Once the cells were obtained, the researchers were able to portray more than 200,000 of them and produce high-resolution 3D images. Then the experts evaluated eight different parameters – including height, width, volume – thanks to computational analysis, which also allowed them to be distinguished according to their external shape – pear or bean, for example. This made it possible to compare single cells with similar shapes to evaluate their internal organization and provide a quantitative description. Finally, it was possible to determine that all cells have essentially similar internal organization, and very rigorously, by comparing the position of the 25 internal structures under the microscope.
Conclusions
Given the importance of the discovery, the researchers decided to make the image archive, the ‘recipe’ for modifying stem cells, and the algorithm for analyzing them publicly and freely accessible. This is to enable all researchers who wish to conduct further research in the future.
Source: TG 24 Sky
I am Barbara Redford, a professional journalist and writer with extensive experience in news reporting. I have been writing for The News Dept since 2019, covering topics related to health and wellness. My passion is to keep people informed about the latest developments in healthcare and the medical industry.
