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Niraula D, El Naqa I, Tuszynski JA, Gatenby RA. Modeling non-genetic information dynamics in cells using reservoir computing. iScience 2024; 27:109614. [PMID: 38632985 PMCID: PMC11022048 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Virtually all cells use energy-driven, ion-specific membrane pumps to maintain large transmembrane gradients of Na+, K+, Cl-, Mg++, and Ca++, but the corresponding evolutionary benefit remains unclear. We propose that these gradients enable a dynamic and versatile biological system that acquires, analyzes, and responds to environmental information. We hypothesize that environmental signals are transmitted into the cell by ion fluxes along pre-existing gradients through gated ion-specific membrane channels. The consequent changes in cytoplasmic ion concentration can generate a local response or orchestrate global/regional cellular dynamics through wire-like ion fluxes along pre-existing and self-assembling cytoskeleton to engage the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipesh Niraula
- Department of Machine Learning, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Issam El Naqa
- Department of Machine Learning, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jack Adam Tuszynski
- Departments of Physics and Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, The Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin 10129, Italy
| | - Robert A. Gatenby
- Departments of Radiology and Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
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Microtubules as a potential platform for energy transfer in biological systems: a target for implementing individualized, dynamic variability patterns to improve organ function. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:375-392. [PMID: 35829870 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04513-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Variability characterizes the complexity of biological systems and is essential for their function. Microtubules (MTs) play a role in structural integrity, cell motility, material transport, and force generation during mitosis, and dynamic instability exemplifies the variability in the proper function of MTs. MTs are a platform for energy transfer in cells. The dynamic instability of MTs manifests itself by the coexistence of growth and shortening, or polymerization and depolymerization. It results from a balance between attractive and repulsive forces between tubulin dimers. The paper reviews the current data on MTs and their potential roles as energy-transfer cellular structures and presents how variability can improve the function of biological systems in an individualized manner. The paper presents the option for targeting MTs to trigger dynamic improvement in cell plasticity, regulate energy transfer, and possibly control quantum effects in biological systems. The described system quantifies MT-dependent variability patterns combined with additional personalized signatures to improve organ function in a subject-tailored manner. The platform can regulate the use of MT-targeting drugs to improve the response to chronic therapies. Ongoing trials test the effects of this platform on various disorders.
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Kalra AP, Eakins BB, Patel SD, Ciniero G, Rezania V, Shankar K, Tuszynski JA. All Wired Up: An Exploration of the Electrical Properties of Microtubules and Tubulin. ACS NANO 2020; 14:16301-16320. [PMID: 33213135 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c06945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are hollow, cylindrical polymers of the protein α, β tubulin, that interact mechanochemically with a variety of macromolecules. Due to their mechanically robust nature, microtubules have gained attention as tracks for precisely directed transport of nanomaterials within lab-on-a-chip devices. Primarily due to the unusually negative tail-like C-termini of tubulin, recent work demonstrates that these biopolymers are also involved in a broad spectrum of intracellular electrical signaling. Microtubules and their electrostatic properties are discussed in this Review, followed by an evaluation of how these biopolymers respond mechanically to electrical stimuli, through microtubule migration, electrorotation and C-termini conformation changes. Literature focusing on how microtubules act as nanowires capable of intracellular ionic transport, charge storage, and ionic signal amplification is reviewed, illustrating how these biopolymers attenuate ionic movement in response to electrical stimuli. The Review ends with a discussion on the important questions, challenges, and future opportunities for intracellular microtubule-based electrical signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarat P Kalra
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2M9, Canada
| | - Boden B Eakins
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, 9107-116 St, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2 V4, Canada
| | - Sahil D Patel
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, 9107-116 St, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2 V4, Canada
| | - Gloria Ciniero
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Vahid Rezania
- Department of Physical Sciences, MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Karthik Shankar
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, 9107-116 St, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2 V4, Canada
| | - Jack A Tuszynski
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS), Politecnico di Torino, Torino 10129, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2, Canada
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Barvitenko N, Lawen A, Aslam M, Pantaleo A, Saldanha C, Skverchinskaya E, Regolini M, Tuszynski JA. Integration of intracellular signaling: Biological analogues of wires, processors and memories organized by a centrosome 3D reference system. Biosystems 2018; 173:191-206. [PMID: 30142359 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myriads of signaling pathways in a single cell function to achieve the highest spatio-temporal integration. Data are accumulating on the role of electromechanical soliton-like waves in signal transduction processes. Theoretical studies strongly suggest feasibility of both classical and quantum computing involving microtubules. AIM A theoretical study of the role of the complex composed of the plasma membrane and the microtubule-based cytoskeleton as a system that transmits, stores and processes information. METHODS Theoretical analysis presented here refers to (i) the Penrose-Hameroff theory of consciousness (Orchestrated Objective Reduction; Orch OR), (ii) the description of the centrosome as a reference system for construction of the 3D map of the cell proposed by Regolini, (iii) the Heimburg-Jackson model of the nerve pulse propagation along axons' lipid bilayer as soliton-like electro-mechanical waves. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The ideas presented in this paper provide a qualitative model for the decision-making processes in a living cell undergoing a differentiation process. OUTLOOK This paper paves the way for the real-time live-cell observation of information processing by microtubule-based cytoskeleton and cell fate decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alfons Lawen
- Monash University, School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Muhammad Aslam
- Medical Clininc I, Cardiology/Angiology, University Hospital, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Antonella Pantaleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Carlota Saldanha
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Instituto de Bioquimica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Marco Regolini
- Department of Bioengineering and Mathematical Modeling, AudioLogic, Milan, Italy
| | - Jack A Tuszynski
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, IT-10128, Torino, Italy.
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5
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Effect of calcium on electrical energy transfer by microtubules. J Biol Phys 2008; 34:475-85. [PMID: 19669507 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-008-9106-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2008] [Accepted: 07/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubules (MTs) are important cytoskeletal superstructures implicated in neuronal morphology and function, which are involved in vesicle trafficking, neurite formation and differentiation and other morphological changes. The structural and functional properties of MTs depend on their high intrinsic charge density and functional regulation by the MT depolymerising properties of changes in Ca(2 + ) concentration. Recently, we reported on remarkable properties of isolated MTs, which behave as biomolecular transistors capable of amplifying electrical signals (Priel et al., Biophys J 90:4639-4643, 2006). Here, we demonstrate that MT-bathing (cytoplasmic) Ca(2 + ) concentrations modulate the electrodynamic properties of MTs. Electrical amplification by MTs was exponentially dependent on the Ca(2 + ) concentration between 10( - 7) and 10( - 2) M. However, the electrical connectivity (coupling) of MTs was optimal at a narrower window of Ca(2 + ) concentrations. We observed that while raising bathing Ca(2 + ) concentration increased electrical amplification by MTs, energy transfer was highest in the presence of ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (lowest Ca(2 + ) concentration). Our data indicate that Ca(2 + ) is an important modulator of electrical amplification by MTs, supporting the hypothesis that this divalent cation, which adsorbs onto the polymer's surface, plays an important role as a regulator of the electrical properties of MTs. The Ca(2 + )-dependent ability of MTs to modulate and amplify electrical signals may provide a novel means of cell signaling, likely contributing to neuronal function.
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Hameroff S, Nip A, Porter M, Tuszynski J. Conduction pathways in microtubules, biological quantum computation, and consciousness. Biosystems 2002; 64:149-68. [PMID: 11755497 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-2647(01)00183-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Technological computation is entering the quantum realm, focusing attention on biomolecular information processing systems such as proteins, as presaged by the work of Michael Conrad. Protein conformational dynamics and pharmacological evidence suggest that protein conformational states-fundamental information units ('bits') in biological systems-are governed by quantum events, and are thus perhaps akin to quantum bits ('qubits') as utilized in quantum computation. 'Real time' dynamic activities within cells are regulated by the cell cytoskeleton, particularly microtubules (MTs) which are cylindrical lattice polymers of the protein tubulin. Recent evidence shows signaling, communication and conductivity in MTs, and theoretical models have predicted both classical and quantum information processing in MTs. In this paper we show conduction pathways for electron mobility and possible quantum tunneling and superconductivity among aromatic amino acids in tubulins. The pathways within tubulin match helical patterns in the microtubule lattice structure, which lend themselves to topological quantum effects resistant to decoherence. The Penrose-Hameroff 'Orch OR' model of consciousness is reviewed as an example of the possible utility of quantum computation in MTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Hameroff
- Department of Anesthesiology and Psychology, Center for Consciousness Studies, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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Self-assembled bilayer lipid membranes: from mimicking biomembranes to practical applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-4598(96)05098-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Harris J, Knight ME, Rasenick MM. Monoamines, cytoskeletal elements and psychiatric disorders: a neurochemical fugue. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 1995; 106:241-8. [PMID: 8584660 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(08)61220-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Harris
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-1604, USA
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Knight ME, Harris J. Investigations into the biochemical basis of neuromodulation by 2-phenylethylamine: effect on microtubule protein. Neurochem Res 1993; 18:1221-9. [PMID: 8272187 DOI: 10.1007/bf00975039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
In order to understand the role of 2-phenylethylamine (PE) on neuronal responses, membrane changes have been studied using ESR probes. We report that the anticipated change in lipid membrane fluidity generally implicated in signal transduction has not been observed when PE is added to synaptosomes. As cytoskeletal architecture of presynaptic terminals appears to be involved in synaptic transmission, we non-specifically labeled synaptosomal membrane proteins with the sulfhydryl spin probe N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl-4-yl) maleimide (4-MAL-TEMPO). The addition of 2-phenylethylamine was found to induce conformational changes, in decreasing the ratio of weakly to strongly immobilized spin label (W/S) to 65% of the control. Of the membrane proteins labeled, 70-90% of the 4-MAL-TEMPO is covalently incorporated into cytoskeletal proteins. In isolated synaptosomes, incorporated with spin-labeled tubulin, the addition of PE reduced the W/S ratio to 51.6% of that obtained for polymerized microtubules. In vitro, PE reduced tau R of polymerized microtubules by 37%. We propose that the PE interaction with tubulin changes microtubule dynamics which may lead to its neuromodulatory action. The state of microtubular assembly can modulate the responsiveness of second messengers in the cell to the effect of stimulatory agents. The nature and physiological significance of PE interaction with tubulin is currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Knight
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe 85287-1604
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Lahoz-Beltra R, Hameroff SR, Dayhoff JE. Cytoskeletal logic: a model for molecular computation via Boolean operations in microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins. Biosystems 1993; 29:1-23. [PMID: 8318677 DOI: 10.1016/0303-2647(93)90078-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive behaviors and dynamic activities within living cells are organized by the cytoskeleton: intracellular networks of interconnected protein polymers which include microtubules (MTs), actin, intermediate filaments, microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) and other protein structures. Cooperative interactions among cytoskeletal protein subunit conformational states have been used to model signal transmission and information processing. In the present work we present a theoretical model for molecular computing in which Boolean logic is implemented in parallel networks of individual MTs interconnected by MAPs. Conformational signals propagate on MTs as in data buses and in the model MAPs are considered as Boolean operators, either as bit-lines (like MTs) where a signal can be transported unchanged between MTs ('BUS-MAP'), or as bit-lines where a Boolean operation is performed in one of the two MAP-MT attachments ('LOGIC-MAP'). Three logic MAPs have been defined ('NOT-MAP, 'AND-MAP', 'XOR-MAP') and used to demonstrate addition, subtraction and other arithmetic operations. Although our choice of Boolean logic is arbitrary, the simulations demonstrate symbolic manipulation in a connectionist system and suggest that MT-MAP networks can perform computation in living cells and are candidates for future molecular computing devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lahoz-Beltra
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
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Balint E, Cheng M, Rupp B, Grimley PM, Aszalos A. Cytoskeletal modulation of plasma membrane events induced by interferon-alpha. JOURNAL OF INTERFERON RESEARCH 1992; 12:249-55. [PMID: 1331257 DOI: 10.1089/jir.1992.12.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cytochalasin B, a drug that alters microfilament structure, was found to modulate interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha)-induced changes in ion fluxes, in motional freedom of spin probes, and lateral diffusion of surface antigens. These changes occur in Daudi cells inherently sensitive to the antiproliferative signal of IFN-alpha, but not in insensitive cells, and were associated with the antiproliferative signal previously. The biophysical effects of cytochalasin B were detected by flow cytometric quantitation of membrane potential using an oxonol dye, by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry, and by measurements of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of surface antigens using a laser-interactive cell imaging system. Cytochalasin B treatment increased an IFN-alpha-induced membrane potential shift by -5 mV. The motional freedom of 5-doxyl-stearic acid changed from 0.67 to 0.63, as expressed by the order parameter, S, with IFN-alpha treatment and was prevented by cytochalasin B. Changes in the lateral diffusion of surface antigens induced by IFN-alpha treatment, D = 5.3 x 10(-10) without treatment and D = 7.8 x 10(-10) cm2/s with treatment, was blocked by cytochalasin B. In contrast, the microtubule stabilizers taxol and D2O and the microtubule depolymerizing colcemid were ineffective at dose levels sufficient to cause the characteristic cell physiological alterations of these agents. These results implicate microfilaments but not the microtubule system in transduction of the antiproliferative signal by IFN-alpha in Daudi cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Balint
- Division of Research and Testing, Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC 20204
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13
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Vassilev PM, Tien HT. Reconstitution of membrane molecular mechanisms in bilayer lipid membranes and patch-clamp bilayers. Subcell Biochem 1989; 14:97-143. [PMID: 2655201 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4613-9362-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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846 — Microtubule-dependent membrane interactions studied in two types of double bilayer membrane systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1986. [DOI: 10.1016/0302-4598(86)85027-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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