Hi,
I have been overexpressing a gene in the cells, and I have found that the genes could promote cell metabolism. Curiously, the cell morphology enlarges. How can I explain this phenomenon? What kinds of pathways do I need to check?"
Well, yes. An increased metabolic rate can cause several physical transformations like a rearrangement of organelles positioning inside the cell and even in some cases, the accumulation of energy storage polymers.
Unfortunately, the links between metabolism and morphology is under explored, but its there
Dear Dr. Minghua Kong
I agree with Biologist Héctor Osorio-Vega .
The relationship between metabolism and morphology does exist. There are certain points which I would like to mention that may be helpful.
1. A large number of cyclin dependent kinases, their inhibitors and activators regulate normal cell cycle progression and many of these cell cycle proteins influence cell size.
2. Several metabolic enzymes are reported to have roles in cell cycle regulation independent from their metabolic activities.
3. In proliferating animal cells, growth factors and growth factor signaling pathways are major regulators of nutrient uptake and metabolic activity, and these pathways also influence cell cycle progression.
I have attached a few references that may help.
Article Cell size homeostasis: Metabolic control of growth and cell division
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0962892423001101
Article How Metabolic Rate Relates to Cell Size
Regards,
Malcolm Nobre
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