A recent study conducted by researchers from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad and the University of Birmingham has shed light on how cells in the body respond to wounds by changing their shape. The study, published in Nature Cell Biology, reveals that epithelial cells, which line the body’s surfaces, adapt their endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in different ways depending on the shape of the wound.
When a wound has outward-curving edges (convex), the ER forms tube-like shapes, whereas when the wound has inward-curving edges (concave), the ER forms flat sheet-like shapes. The researchers found that pushing forces at outward-curving edges and pulling forces at inward-curving edges trigger different mechanisms that change the shape of the ER. This, in turn, affects how epithelial cells move to close the wound.
Using specialized techniques to create small gaps in cell layers, advanced imaging, and mathematical models, the scientists were able to observe how the ER reorganizes and assists in the movement of epithelial cells. Dr. Simran Rawal, who led the experiments, emphasized the importance of understanding the mechanisms underlying epithelial gap closure for future medical treatments and therapies.
Dr. Pradeep Keshavanarayana, who developed the mathematical model, highlighted the potential implications of the study in developing new treatments for wounds, regenerating damaged tissues, and combating cancer cell spread. The researchers believe that the ER’s role in cell movement could revolutionize medical treatments and therapies.
Professor Fabian Spill from the University of Birmingham emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the study, noting that the collaboration between experimental and theoretical approaches led to the discovery of a new mechanism involving organelle and cell shape in cellular behavior. The study’s findings open new avenues for exploring the role of the ER in mechanotransduction and collective cell migration.
The study, which started with the discovery of the ER’s central role in mechanotransduction by Dr. Simran Rawal, offers a deeper understanding of how cells respond to mechanical stimuli from their environment. By uncovering the novel role of the ER in this process, the researchers hope to further advance our knowledge of cellular behavior and pave the way for innovative medical treatments.
For more information on the study, you can access the full article published in Nature Cell Biology (DOI: 10.1038/s41556-025-01729-3). This groundbreaking research was made possible through the collaboration between the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad and the University of Birmingham.
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