Summary of the science
Cells communicate with each other in different ways, and this communication is important because it allows cells to work together to carry out their functions as tissues and organs. Several processes are involved to make sure that this communication works well. All cells contain genetic material holding instructions that our cells need so they can make proteins. These proteins are important for cellular communication, for example by acting as signals. The instructions are stored in smaller subunits called genes. Genes are read and copied into a similar molecule called RNA, which serves as a messenger. Ribosomes, tiny cellular machines, read the RNA and use it as a blueprint to assemble these proteins. Further processes in the cell, such as the formation of filopodia (basically long arms that extend outwards) allow the proteins to travel from one cell to the other.
About the research
Maria Barna's lab primarily investigates ribosome heterogeneity and its impact on protein synthesis and cellular communication. They use advanced techniques to quantify and characterise ribosomal subsets, revealing selective mRNA translation by specialised ribosomes and shedding light on gene regulation. They also study sonic hedgehog (SHH) movement across densely packed cells. They found that SHH particles are associated with specialised actin-based filopodia extensions, that enable the movement of SHH over long distances and facilitate interactions with specific co-receptors in target cells. These findings enhance our knowledge of different mechanisms of cellular communication, from gene regulation to protein transport, that enable our cells to develop and perform specific functions.
About the illustration
We illustrated a group of cells forming a 'huddle' and communicating with each other through their filopodia. These extensions help proteins travel from one cell to the other and so included these proteins and presented them as dots. The central cell is shown to initiate this wave of communication (white dots) and the neighbouring cells have been painting in the same colour to suggest that this communication is travelling from one cell to the next.