title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Cell Engineering, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Adam S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Curtis
authors.forename: Penelope M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Tsimbouri
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology; D013269:Stochastic Processes; D013997:Time Factors; D014732:Vibration
keywords: MSC; epigenesis; mechanical nanoforces; mechanotransduction; nanotopography; nanovibration; stochastic resonance