[The biology of conformation in the regulation of the senescent and transformed cell phenotypes].
The cytoskeleton and the cytoplasmic membrane of normal somatic cells are modified during proliferation. The loss of the division potential during serial proliferation is due in part to these structural modifications that induce a decline in the cell conformational flexibility. During viral transformation, the changes in the cytoskeleton and in the affinity of the cell to its matrix and to neighboring cells increase the cell migratory capability, maintaining the conformation flexibility needed for the initiation of the division cycle. We could modulate cell proliferation, transformed phenotype, and differentiation by changing the electric charge of a substratum. Results support the view that the biology of conformation is crucial for the expression of these cell properties.
Macieira-Coelho
Alvaro
A
INSERM, 73bis, rue Maréchal Foch, 78000 Versailles. macieiracoelho@aol.com
D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000235:genetics; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000502:physiology*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype