Biophysics at the edge of life and death: Radical control of apoptotic mechanisms

Abstract

Recent studies have furthered our understanding of how dying and living cells interact in different physiological contexts, however the signaling that initiates and mediates apoptosis and apoptosis-induced proliferation are more complex than previously thought. One increasingly important area of study is the biophysical control of apoptosis. In addition to biochemical regulation, biophysical signals (including redox chemistry, bioelectric gradients, acoustic and magnetic stimuli) are also known yet understudied regulators of both cell death and apoptosis-induced proliferation. Mounting evidence suggests biophysical signals may be key targets for therapeutic interventions. This review highlights what is known about the role of biophysical signals in controlling cell death mechanisms during development, regeneration, and carcinogenesis. Since biophysical signals can be controlled spatiotemporally, bypassing the need for genetic manipulation, further investigation may lead to fine-tuned modulation of apoptotic pathways to direct desired therapeutic outcomes.

Harmonizing Magnetic Mitohormetic Regenerative Strategies: Developmental Implications of a Calcium–Mitochondrial Axis Invoked by Magnetic Field Exposure

“…Diverse biophysical stimuli have been shown to produce developmental mitohormetic responses involving ROS and calcium signaling [48,85]. Provocatively, the switching between osteogenesis and adipogenesis differentiation states was shown to be modulated by the culmination of distinct biophysical stimuli impinging upon bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells with a noted synergism between mechanical and electromagnetic stimuli [86].…”

Starting Editorial of “Cellular Damage: Protection and Induction” Addressing Hot Topics in Cellular Damage, Protection of Cells and Therapy Targeting Bad Cells

“…Cellular damage involves harm inflicted on cells through external factors or internal dysfunctions, taking on various forms [ 8 ]. This damage can be caused by a myriad of factors, including environmental [ 9 ], chemical [ 10 ], and biophysical triggers [ 11 ].…”

The use of NADH anisotropy to investigate mitochondrial cristae alignment

“…The possibility exists that the “shape” of life is determined by a bioelectric field, which could interact with photons 1 . This concept of “field homeostasis” is further suggested by the ability of biology to detect magnetic fields and be manipulated by them 3 , 4 , hence the flow and role of photo-electrons could be significant. This suggests that biology, to some degree, may be reliant on an underappreciated level of photonic/electromagnetic field (EMF)-based structural organisation and homeostasis in which mitochondria may play a significant role.…”