The time has come when biological research will revolutionize the medical sector and the latest discoveries may even change the lives of some individuals. Recent studies in cell biology have shown that cells are capable of interacting with their environment and transmitting information thanks to a phospholipid. In this article, we will see with Jean-Jacques Perrut, how cells communicate with each other and how this discovery can serve humanity.
Intercellular communication exists!
Many people are unaware of it, but in reality, cells are able to communicate and exchange biochemical messages constantly in order to adapt to their environment. Apparently, the team of biologist Yvon Jaillais has found some answers by studying the model preferred by all biologists: the Ladies’ Arabette also called Thaliana.
This plant is the model organism for genetic research because it has many advantages (numerous multiplication, small size, small genome). In fact, it was at the beginning of the 20th century that researchers began to use Arabidopsis thaliana. However, it was only in 1998 that it was designated as a reference organism. Today, the Ladies’ Arabidopsis thaliana is considered a model organism for genetics as well as for evolution, plant research and basic research. This plant contains a molecule called “phosphatidylserine”, which is part of the phospholipid family, and which facilitates communication between cells. In the absence of this molecule, the plant cells coordinate and develop poorly.
Intercellular communication at the service of humanity
In practice, the research team put three samples of Arabette des dames in total isolation, varying only the phosphatidylserine content and ranging from zero to high. As a result, the phospholipid-free sample did not develop properly.
After observing the boxes with the other two plants, the researchers were able to show that in the absence of phosphatidylserine, the plant did not adapt well, unlike the other samples that were well loaded with phospholipid and had a root curvature of 30°. Whereas that of the sample without phosphatidylserine did not exceed 2.5°.
In lack of phosphatidylserine, there was a dysfunction in the communication system between the cells, which means, according to Jean-Jacques Perrut, that the root of the plant did not perceive the information of the reorientation and therefore did not react to it.
In other words, the poor adaptation of the plant is only the result of the lack of communication between the cells. In addition, the molecules circulating to transmit the information constitute what is called the “language” of the cells.
By analyzing this language, biologists try to understand how a cell reacts to different types of stress, both physical and chemical, by sending signals to the cell to respond in the right way.
According to Perrut, the study of how cells adapt to their environment and communicate with each other could be of great benefit to humanity. This implies a therapeutic avenue for cancer, where specialties could slow down or even eradicate the disease by preventing cells from communicating with each other and proliferating.
Find out more:
Discover Jean Jacques Perrut’s publication on the Pasteur case.
