Working group Cells

(WORKING GROUP Cells, Direction Prof. Rychly, Rostock)

This Working group has, in the first funding period, shown itself to be a suitable platform for discussing cell biological questions within the framework of the subprojects. The great interest in the working group was shown in the membership numbers of around 30 researchers and the active participation in the separately held meetings. Initially originating from the Project area C, the Area Cells represents itself as essential for practically all projects of the SFB/Transregios. In addition to the conveying of the terminology, the activity of the working groups is focused on two fields of activity. On the one hand, there was a task of exchanging cell biological experimental approaches in the individual subprojects and standardising methodical aspects and on the other hand, the Working group serves to further the cell biological education of all of the researchers especially those who do not come from Life Sciences areas. In particular the following questions, among others, were addressed:

Because mesenchymal stem cells are used in different subprojects, the isolation of the cells from different tissue as well as the suitable culture media were discussed. Here experience in the framework of short presentations from the subprojects was shared. In this connection, a list of suitable surface markers for the characterisation of mesenchymal stem cells was put together. Based on this criteria, it can be determined if identical cells are used in the different subprojects and to what extent isolated cells show a different phenotype dependent on the tissue source.
As part of the above-mentioned terminology seminar “Transdisciplinary Dialogues”, terms were explained as part of the lecture “Cells” which are related to the functional control of cells through factors in the microenvironment. Beginning with the definition and properties of different stem cells, the factors of the regulation of cells, the receptors for the perception of signals as well as the signal transduction and gene expression were addressed. In addition essential methods for the determination of different parameters were explained in a generally understandable manner.

As part of a workshop in Hannover in 2010, different cell biological aspects of the individual subprojects were compiled in order to more precisely exchange methods and cell types as well as experience with them using this platform for future work.

In addition to a number of permanent cell lines, both various primary differentiated cell types and primary progenitor cells or stem cells are used in research as part of the SFB. Of the differentiated cell types used, 8 alone are different, especially human endothelial cells which differ with regard to the organ source or the species. The goal will be to more closely characterise these cells and work out the differences in their behaviour. With regard to the use of human adult stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow and fatty tissue have been used in three subprojects and in two other subprojects, hematopoietic stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells were used for the investigations.

As part of the subprojects, cells, in part, were manipulated more physiologically, i.e. with growth factors using adhesion or being mechanically stimulated. An important aspect is also, however, the non-physiological stimulation by laser transfection or endocytosis of nanoparticles.

In the analysis of the methodical approaches which have been used for the cell biological experiments within the subprojects, it was shown that a parameter can be determined quite well with different methods. For example, the cell proliferation was measured using the measurement of the cell number, the BrdU incorporation into the nucleus or with DNA histograms in the flow cytometry. As part of the continued project, these methodical approaches should be compared in their assertions and if applicable, used as part of the SFB standardised methods.
For the project continuation, the working group has the challenge of creating closer links to the subprojects. This goal should be achieved through the exchange of methods, the cell types used, their characterisation and treatment. The experience of individuals in certain areas of cell biology can thus be better used by all parties at SFB. The concentration on certain aspects of cell biology as part of the working group should make a better comparison of the results between the subprojects possible.

Within the framework of the working group, the existing Internet platform of the working group will be used more intensely for the exchange of the various information and data.