Epigenesis: roles of nanotopography, nanoforces and nanovibration

Abstract

We consider three biophysical factors operating at the nanoscale which can affect gene expression, and thus, differentiation, in cultured mammalian cells. These factors are nanovibration, nanoforces and the local nanotopography. Work supporting these conclusions is reviewed. It is argued that stirring of the medium close to the cells cannot contribute to the effects. It is suggested that the three factors interact. Possible pathways by which this could occur are outlined.

Keywords::

• epigenesis
• mechanical nanoforces
• mechanotransduction
• MSC
• nanotopography
• nanovibration
• stochastic resonance

Acknowledgements

The authors thank their colleagues, especially Matt Dalby, who inspired them and supported their thoughts and writing.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The writing of this manuscript was supported by a Wellcome Trust ISSF fellowship awarded to PM Tsimbouri. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Key issues

• The effects of nanovibration on animal cells. The directionality, vectors and balance of developing forces during cell movement are crucial for cell fate.

• Cell nanoprotrusion activities. The effects of cells on nanotopography might be due to the cells experiencing a change in the disposition of self-generated forces acting on the cells since their anchor points have probably been changed.

• Cell culture results on nanotopography and those on nanoscale mechanical force application indicate that both chemical and non-chemical signals can control gene expression, a fundamental feature of epigenesis.

• Nanovibrations are likely to become involved in stochastic resonance and could lead to changes in gene expression.

• Can these examples of nanovibrational changes of cell phenotype be demonstrated for other cell types?

• What effects will other waveforms of vibration, especially those differing in frequency and shape, have?

• How persistent are the effects of nanovibration over the long term?

• What is the envelope of effects that do not cause cell damage?

Notes