Unveiling the morphogenetic code: A new path at the intersection of physical energies and chemical signaling


Author: Riccardo Tassinari1, Claudia Cavallini1, Elena Olivi1, Valentina Taglioli1, Chiara Zannini1, Carlo Ventura2

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems - ELDOR LAB, Bologna 40129, Italy.

<sup>2</sup> National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Engineering, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems - ELDOR LAB, Bologna 40129, Italy. carlo.ventura@unibo.it.
Conference/Journal: World J Stem Cells
Date published: 2021 Oct 26
Other:
 Volume ID: 13   ,  Issue ID: 10   ,  Pages: 1382-1393   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i10.1382.   ,  Word Count: 171  
    In this editorial, we discuss the remarkable role of physical energies in the control of cell signaling networks and in the specification of the architectural plan of both somatic and stem cells. In particular, we focus on the biological relevance of bioelectricity in the pattern control that orchestrates both developmental and regenerative pathways. To this end, the narrative starts from the dawn of the first studies on animal electricity, reconsidering the pioneer work of Harold Saxton Burr in the light of the current achievements. We finally discuss the most recent evidence showing that bioelectric signaling is an essential component of the informational processes that control pattern specification during embryogenesis, regeneration, or even malignant transformation. We conclude that there is now mounting evidence for the existence of a Morphogenetic Code, and that deciphering this code may lead to unprecedented opportunities for the development of novel paradigms of cure in regenerative and precision medicine.



Keywords: Bioelectricity; Electromagnetic radiation; Mechanical forces; Morphogenetic code; Physical energies; Stem cells.



PMID: 34786150 PMCID: PMC8567452 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i10.1382