title: Cellular harmonic information transfer through a tissue tensegrity-matrix system.
abstract: Cells and intracellular elements are capable of vibrating in a dynamic manner with complex harmonics, the frequency of which can now be measured and analyzed in a quantitative manner by Fourier analysis. Cellular events such as changes in shape, membrane ruffling, motility, and signal transduction occur within spatial and temporal harmonics that have potential regulatory importance. These vibrations can be altered by growth factors and the process of carcinogenesis. It is important to understand the mechanism by which this vibrational information is transferred directly throughout the cell. From these observations we propose that vibrational information is transferred through a tissue tensegrity-matrix which acts as a coupled harmonic oscillator operating as a signal transucing system from the cell periphery to the nucleus and ultimately to the DNA. The vibrational interactions occur through a tissue matrix system consisting of the nuclear matrix, the cytoskeleton, and the extracellular matrix that is poised to couple the biologic oscillations of the cell from the peripheral membrane to the DNA through a tensegrity-matrix structure. Tensegrity has been defined as a structural system composed of discontinuous compression elements connected by continuous tension cables, which interact in a dynamic fashion. A tensegrity tissue matrix system allows for specific transfer of information through the cell by direct transmission of vibrational chemomechanical energy through harmonic wave motion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Pienta
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Coffey
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D015530:Nuclear Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D010507:Periodicity; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D014732:Vibration