Scientists from Tufts University have made a breakthrough discovery: the airway cells in our lungs, those commonly known as stationary cells,
are capable of becoming mobile biological robots capable of repairing damaged nerve tissue.
Imagine a world where your body's cells, those known as stationary and immobile cells, become tiny robots capable of repairing damaged tissue.
Sound science fiction? Well, not anymore!
Researchers from Tufts University have made a breakthrough discovery: the airway cells in our lungs, those commonly referred to as "epithelial cells",
are capable of becoming mobile biological "anthrobots" capable of healing damaged nerve tissue.
In the past, it was common to think that epithelial cells in the respiratory tract serve only as "gatekeepers" - filters that neutralize harmful substances from the air we breathe.
However, Tufts researchers went against this traditional view.
Instead of growing the airway cells in a gel-like matrix that holds them in place, they used a liquid medium that allowed the cells to move freely.
These conditions caused the cells to spontaneously organize into amazing motile balls, driven by small hair-like "cilia".
Scientific breakthrough:
This discovery, published in the respected scientific journal Advanced Sciences, presents a completely new concept of the functioning of human cells.
Until now, it was common to think that the respiratory tract cells, called epithelial cells, were only meant to help neutralize harmful substances from the air we breathe.
However, these studies show that these cells have another enormous potential: the ability to move, the ability to self-organize, and the ability to repair tissues.
The birth of anthropotes:
These moving spheres, called "anthropots", exhibited fascinating properties:
- Self-movement: The anthropoids are able to move independently in the liquid, using their eyelashes as a motor.
- Capacity of self-organization: The cells spontaneously organized into moving spheres, without the need for external intervention.
- Tissue repair: When placed on the surface of damaged nerve tissue, they cause new nerve tissue to grow in place of the gap.
Similar research: A team of researchers at Harvard University recently discovered a similar ability in white blood cells.
These cells, known as part of the immune system, are able to turn into tiny "robots" and repair damaged tissues in the body.
Far-reaching consequences:
This discovery opens the door to a new world of possibilities in regenerative medicine.
It is possible that in the future we will be able to use these robots to repair damaged organs and tissues, replace damaged tissues and even deal with aging.
References:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.202303575
