Unveiling Bioelectric Mechanisms in Tissue Rotation
Collective cell dynamics are integral to numerous developmental and physiological processes. While two-dimensional (2D) cell migration has been extensively studied, understanding the interplay between three-dimensional (3D) geometry, topology, and collective cell behavior remains an open question. This study investigates the biophysical mechanisms underlying rotation in spherical tissues using murine pancreas-derived organoids. The findings provide significant insights into the role of bioelectricity in cellular dynamics and the broader implications for understanding non-thermal radiation effects on biological systems.
Emergent chirality in active solid rotation of pancreas spheres
Research Objectives and Methodology
Objectives of the Study
The study aims to elucidate the biophysical mechanisms that drive the rotation of pancreas spheres and to understand the emergent chirality within these tissues. It seeks to explain how traction force and polarity alignment contribute to these rotational dynamics and how topological defects in the polarity field lead to symmetry breaking.
Description of the Methodology Used
The researchers used murine pancreas-derived organoids as a model system. They employed a combination of live imaging, particle image velocimetry (PIV) analysis, and computational models, including a 3D vertex model and a continuum model, to investigate the rotation dynamics. These models simulate the effects of traction force and polarity alignment on the rotational behavior of the spheres.
Key Findings
Persistent Rotation and Rotational Dynamics
- Pancreas spheres exhibit a range of dynamics, including persistent rotation, rotational axis drift, and rotation arrest.
- Live imaging and PIV analysis reveal long-range correlated tissue flow with localized vortical motion, confirming collective cell migration as the underlying mechanism.
- The angular velocity and rotation axis of the spheres were reconstructed, showing that the pancreas spheres act as a solid body during rotation.
Solid and Flowing Regimes
- The 3D vertex model demonstrates two distinct dynamic regimes: solid and flowing.
- In the solid regime, cells do not rearrange, and the sphere rotates as a solid body around a constant axis.
- In the flowing regime, cells continuously rearrange, resulting in lower rotation speeds and erratic changes in the rotation axis orientation.
- The majority of pancreas spheres operate in the solid regime, with some near the solid to flow transition exhibiting rotation axis drift.
Polarity Alignment and Cell Shape Patterns
- Polarity alignment is crucial for generating the observed rotational dynamics.
- During rotation, cell shapes elongate, especially near the equator, while cells at the poles remain more isotropic.
- When rotation arrests, cell shapes become more isotropic, indicating the role of active traction forces in maintaining cell elongation during rotation.
Chiral Symmetry Breaking
- The study identifies a robust chiral symmetry breaking mechanism, revealed by asymmetries in cell elongation patterns.
- This chirality arises from topological defects in the polarity field, requiring shear flow in addition to solid body rotation to manifest in cell shapes.
- The vertex model with noise shows that stochastic switching between the two chiral states can occur, aligning with experimental observations.
Implications of the Findings
Broader Implications
The findings highlight the intricate relationship between geometry, topology, and collective cell dynamics in 3D tissues. Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into developmental processes and potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of bioelectricity in maintaining cellular dynamics, which has broader implications for understanding the effects of non-thermal radiation on biological systems.
Potential Impact on the Field
These insights into chirality and rotational dynamics in spherical tissues could inform research on other 3D cellular systems and contribute to developing new models for studying morphogenesis and tissue organization. Additionally, recognizing the role of bioelectric networks in cellular processes can lead to a better understanding of how non-thermal radiation impacts health, highlighting the need for updated safety guidelines and further research.
The Real Threat of Non-Thermal Radiation and Entropic Waste
Raising Awareness
As a society, we are at a critical juncture. The outdated belief that non-thermal radiation exposure is harmless and the failure to recognize life as a fragile entropic anomaly of self-sustaining energy is causing a cascade of mental and physical health effects. These misconceptions drive many ailments affecting the world today. If we do not address these monumental flaws in physics and biology, the quality of life will continue to degrade.
The Misconception of Non-Thermal Radiation
- Outdated Beliefs: It has long been assumed that non-thermal radiation exposure, such as EMF radiation from wireless devices, is harmless. This belief is rooted in outdated guidelines focusing solely on thermal effects.
- The Reality of Non-Thermal Effects: Scientific evidence shows that non-thermal radiation can cause significant biological dissonances, even at levels below which heating occurs. These effects include hormonal imbalances, neural development issues, and other health problems.
The Importance of Recognizing Life as Sustained Energy
- Beyond Mass: Life is not merely a body of mass; it is sustained energy. Bioelectrical networks, the living fields of energy within and around us, are the true essence of life.
- Entropic Waste and Biological Dissonances: The fundamental forces of energy used in technology emit pollution in the form of entropic waste, causing biological dissonances. These disruptions can lead to a range of health issues, from mental disorders to chronic physical ailments.
The Cascade of Health Effects
- Mental Health: Exposure to non-thermal radiation and entropic waste has been linked to various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, particularly concerning for children.
- Physical Health: The physical health impacts include hormonal disruptions, reproductive issues, and increased cancer risk.
The Need for Updated Guidelines and Research
- Updating FCC Guidelines: The current FCC guidelines are based on outdated science. We must update these guidelines to reflect the latest scientific understanding of bioelectrical networks and EMF radiation impacts.
- Restarting NTP Research: The National Toxicology Program’s research on wireless health effects must be restarted and prioritized to understand and mitigate the health impacts of non-thermal radiation exposure.
Conclusion
The outdated belief that non-thermal radiation exposure is harmless and the failure to recognize life as sustained energy are causing a cascade of health effects. By addressing these misconceptions and recognizing the true nature of bioelectrical networks, we can take meaningful steps to protect public health. It is time to act and ensure a healthier, safer future for all.
References
- Tzer Han Tan, Aboutaleb Amiri, Irene Seijo-Barandiaran, et al. “Emergent Chirality in Active Solid Rotation of Pancreas Spheres.” PRX Life, 2024.