About this Research Topic
During morphogenesis, cells undergo processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration to form an organism. These processes are influenced by a complex interplay of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Extrinsic factors refer to external cues and signals that originate from the surrounding environment of cells. These factors encompass various components, such as physical parameters (e.g., temperature, light), chemical factors (e.g., signaling molecules, pH), and mechanical forces (e.g., shear stress, substrate stiffness). In the context of biosensors, these factors become crucial elements that can be utilized for sensing and detection applications. The extracellular matrix, neighboring cells, and the overall culture conditions also contribute to the extrinsic factors affecting cell programs and responses. Intrinsic factors originate from cellular characteristics unique to individual cells, such as genetic factors, epigenetic modification, and cellular machinery. In the fields of cell and developmental biology, the engineering of novel tools and the development of models for the investigation of intrinsic and extrinsic factors and their biological outcomes are crucial for the generation of integrative and interdisciplinary knowledge and the development of innovative tools.
With the advent of new fields such as integrative and mechano-biology, great efforts have been produced to devise novel experimental strategies to understand how the changes in extrinsic and intrinsic properties drive vital biological programs. However, we still have a long way to go to fully understand how inputs are processed in biological systems to generate robust outputs. For instance, limited work has focused on how extrinsic factors affect cell architecture, polarization, and mechanical processes and properties. Similarly, we have only started to appreciate the effect of extrinsic factors and their relationship with intrinsic factors in developmental biology. For instance, embryonic cells are unique as they originate from fertilization events and are known to robustly execute a series of coordinated processes leading to the development of a full organism. Nevertheless, our knowledge and ability to control the process are still rudimentary, and it is extremely necessary to widen the horizon in fields such as bioengineering and perform further studies centered on single external effects, single-cell organelle structure, or single cells to form a clear conclusion. The development of tools and models in bioengineering will thus accelerate the research in cell biology as well as developmental biology.
Original research, perspectives, and review papers regarding:
• Development of biosensing tools and models adapted to applications in cell biology and developmental biology, using technologies such as microfluidic devices, organ-on-a-chip systems, 3D bioprinting, and organoid models.
• Investigation of chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of cells and tissues at the molecular level by using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico technologies.
• Research on the impact of extrinsic factors on cell fate decisions, tissue formation, and the development of diseases, with a focus on integrating biosensors to monitor molecular responses.
• Development of strategies for manipulating extrinsic and intrinsic factors in the fields of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and disease modelling using biosensors or bioelectronics.
• Investigation of the influence of external stress on cellular particles, such as microchannels and microtubules, using biosensors to monitor dynamic changes in real time.
• Study of alterations in the mechanical and physical properties of cellular proteins and fibers using biomolecular electronics and understand their effects on cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis.
• Use of biosensors to explore the effects of extrinsic factors, such as temperature, light, pH, or shear stress, on cellular architecture, polarization, and mechanical processes, elucidating responsive behaviours at the cellular and molecular levels.
• Study of embryo development using biomolecular electronics, exploring factors affecting in vitro fertilization (IVF) and assisted reproductive technology (ART) by incorporating electronic components for precise monitoring and control.
With the advent of new fields such as integrative and mechano-biology, great efforts have been produced to devise novel experimental strategies to understand how the changes in extrinsic and intrinsic properties drive vital biological programs. However, we still have a long way to go to fully understand how inputs are processed in biological systems to generate robust outputs. For instance, limited work has focused on how extrinsic factors affect cell architecture, polarization, and mechanical processes and properties. Similarly, we have only started to appreciate the effect of extrinsic factors and their relationship with intrinsic factors in developmental biology. For instance, embryonic cells are unique as they originate from fertilization events and are known to robustly execute a series of coordinated processes leading to the development of a full organism. Nevertheless, our knowledge and ability to control the process are still rudimentary, and it is extremely necessary to widen the horizon in fields such as bioengineering and perform further studies centered on single external effects, single-cell organelle structure, or single cells to form a clear conclusion. The development of tools and models in bioengineering will thus accelerate the research in cell biology as well as developmental biology.
Original research, perspectives, and review papers regarding:
• Development of biosensing tools and models adapted to applications in cell biology and developmental biology, using technologies such as microfluidic devices, organ-on-a-chip systems, 3D bioprinting, and organoid models.
• Investigation of chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of cells and tissues at the molecular level by using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico technologies.
• Research on the impact of extrinsic factors on cell fate decisions, tissue formation, and the development of diseases, with a focus on integrating biosensors to monitor molecular responses.
• Development of strategies for manipulating extrinsic and intrinsic factors in the fields of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and disease modelling using biosensors or bioelectronics.
• Investigation of the influence of external stress on cellular particles, such as microchannels and microtubules, using biosensors to monitor dynamic changes in real time.
• Study of alterations in the mechanical and physical properties of cellular proteins and fibers using biomolecular electronics and understand their effects on cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis.
• Use of biosensors to explore the effects of extrinsic factors, such as temperature, light, pH, or shear stress, on cellular architecture, polarization, and mechanical processes, elucidating responsive behaviours at the cellular and molecular levels.
• Study of embryo development using biomolecular electronics, exploring factors affecting in vitro fertilization (IVF) and assisted reproductive technology (ART) by incorporating electronic components for precise monitoring and control.
Keywords: mechano-biology, cell development, developmental biology, biosensors, cell architecture, single cells, embryo development
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