ETH researchers discover new approach to investigate cell growth

Study findings from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) have revealed the extent to which human cells and cell growth are influenced by the network of fibers that surrounds them, otherwise referred to as the “extracellular matrix”. The interactions play a key role in tissue growth, further details of which can be found in a press release covering the study. The researchers expect that their findings will prove to be useful in relation to efforts aimed at diagnosing and curing wound-healing disorders, fibrosis and cancer.

Focusing on the fibrous structure surrounding the cells represents something of a novel research approach. “For a long time, biology was about studying cells and the biochemistry of the metabolic processes within them, often regardless of their natural environment”, the press release states.

The study directors, ETH ​professor Viola Vogel and senior assistant Mario C. Benn, have been looking into tissue growth as part of their research work for some time already. In an in-vitro test environment, it has now been possible to simulate cell growth. Among other aspects, this plays a part in the development of embryos, the growth of children, wound healing and cancerous cell growth.

In order to comprehend cell transformation processes on a more profound level, knowledge regarding how the cells interact with the fibrous structure surrounding them is key. Previous methods with cell cultures, in which cells grow flat in a cell culture dish, are not suitable in this regard. “Studying cells without the extracellular matrix is a bit like studying the behavior of spiders without their web”, as Viola Vogel explains in the press release.

The research team sees huge potential for what is known as the field of mechano-​medicine. This term can be understood to mean how cells perceive and process mechanical signals. ce/heg