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Tario JD, Soh KT, Wallace PK, Muirhead KA. Monitoring Cell Proliferation by Dye Dilution: Considerations for Panel Design. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2779:159-216. [PMID: 38526787 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3738-8_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
High dimensional studies that include proliferation dyes face two inherent challenges in panel design. First, the more rounds of cell division to be monitored based on dye dilution, the greater the starting intensity of the labeled parent cells must be in order to distinguish highly divided daughter cells from background autofluorescence. Second, the greater their starting intensity, the more difficult it becomes to avoid spillover of proliferation dye signal into adjacent spectral channels, with resulting limitations on the use of other fluorochromes and ability to resolve dim signals of interest. In the third and fourth editions of this series, we described the similarities and differences between protein-reactive and membrane-intercalating dyes used for general cell tracking, provided detailed protocols for optimized labeling with each dye type, and summarized characteristics to be tested by the supplier and/or user when validating either dye type for use as a proliferation dye. In this fifth edition, we review: (a) Fundamental assumptions and critical controls for dye dilution proliferation assays; (b) Methods to evaluate the effect of labeling on cell growth rate and test the fidelity with which dye dilution reports cell division; and. (c) Factors that determine how many daughter generations can be accurately included in proliferation modeling. We also provide an expanded section on spectral characterization, using data collected for three protein-reactive dyes (CellTrace™ Violet, CellTrace™ CFSE, and CellTrace™ Far Red) and three membrane-intercalating dyes (PKH67, PKH26, and CellVue® Claret) on three different cytometers to illustrate typical decisions and trade-offs required during multicolor panel design. Lastly, we include methods and controls for assessing regulatory T cell potency, a functional assay that incorporates the "know your dye" and "know your cytometer" principles described herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Tario
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kah Teong Soh
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Agenus, Inc., Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Paul K Wallace
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- SciGro, Inc., Sedona, AZ, USA
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2
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Hertz L, Flormann D, Birnbaumer L, Wagner C, Laschke MW, Kaestner L. Evidence of in vivo exogen protein uptake by red blood cells: a putative therapeutic concept. Blood Adv 2023; 7:1033-1039. [PMID: 36490356 PMCID: PMC10036505 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
For some molecular players in red blood cells (RBCs), the functional indications and molecular evidence are discrepant. One such protein is transient receptor potential channel of canonical subfamily, member 6 (TRPC6). Transcriptome analysis of reticulocytes revealed the presence of TRPC6 in mouse RBCs and its absence in human RBCs. We transfused TRPC6 knockout RBCs into wild-type mice and performed functional tests. We observed the "rescue" of TRPC6 within 10 days; however, the "rescue" was slower in splenectomized mice. The latter finding led us to mimic the mechanical challenge with the cantilever of an atomic force microscope and simultaneously carry out imaging by confocal (3D) microscopy. We observed the strong interaction of RBCs with the opposed surface at around 200 pN and the formation of tethers. The results of both the transfusion experiments and the atomic force spectroscopy suggest mechanically stimulated protein transfer to RBCs as a protein source in the absence of the translational machinery. This protein transfer mechanism has the potential to be utilized in therapeutic contexts, especially for hereditary diseases involving RBCs, such as hereditary xerocytosis or Gárdos channelopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hertz
- Theoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Flormann
- Dynamics of Fluids, Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Lutz Birnbaumer
- Institute of Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Christian Wagner
- Dynamics of Fluids, Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
- Physics and Materials Science Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Matthias W. Laschke
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Lars Kaestner
- Theoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
- Dynamics of Fluids, Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbruecken, Germany
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Maurer F, John T, Makhro A, Bogdanova A, Minetti G, Wagner C, Kaestner L. Continuous Percoll Gradient Centrifugation of Erythrocytes-Explanation of Cellular Bands and Compromised Age Separation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081296. [PMID: 35455975 PMCID: PMC9028966 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: When red blood cells are centrifuged in a continuous Percoll-based density gradient, they form discrete bands. While this is a popular approach for red blood cell age separation, the mechanisms involved in banding were unknown. (2) Methods: Percoll centrifugations of red blood cells were performed under various experimental conditions and the resulting distributions analyzed. The age of the red blood cells was measured by determining the protein band 4.1a to 4.1b ratio based on western blots. Red blood cell aggregates, so-called rouleaux, were monitored microscopically. A mathematical model for the centrifugation process was developed. (3) Results: The red blood cell band pattern is reproducible but re-centrifugation of sub-bands reveals a new set of bands. This is caused by red blood cell aggregation. Based on the aggregation, our mathematical model predicts the band formation. Suppression of red blood cell aggregation reduces the band formation. (4) Conclusions: The red blood cell band formation in continuous Percoll density gradients could be explained physically by red blood cell aggregate formation. This aggregate formation distorts the density-based red blood cell age separation. Suppressing aggregation by osmotic swelling has a more severe effect on compromising the RBC age separation to a higher degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Maurer
- Dynamics of Fluids, Experimental Physics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (F.M.); (T.J.); (C.W.)
| | - Thomas John
- Dynamics of Fluids, Experimental Physics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (F.M.); (T.J.); (C.W.)
| | - Asya Makhro
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zürich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Bogdanova
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zürich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (A.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Giampaolo Minetti
- Laboratories of Biochemistry, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, I-27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Christian Wagner
- Dynamics of Fluids, Experimental Physics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (F.M.); (T.J.); (C.W.)
- Physics and Materials Science Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, L-1511 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Lars Kaestner
- Dynamics of Fluids, Experimental Physics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (F.M.); (T.J.); (C.W.)
- Theoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Idalan N, Zeitz JO, Weber CN, Müller E, Giger U. Comparative study of immunohematological tests with canine blood samples submitted for a direct antiglobulin (Coombs') test. Canine Med Genet 2021; 8:10. [PMID: 34645506 PMCID: PMC8515749 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-021-00107-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 2019 ACVIM consensus statement on diagnostics for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs made testing recommendations. As data on the performance of immunohematological tests was lacking, we undertook a comparative analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Anticoagulated blood samples from 126 dogs suspected of having IMHA submitted to a diagnostic veterinary laboratory for a routine direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and from 28 healthy control dogs were evaluated for spherocytosis and autoagglutination before and after three saline washes. Samples were also subjected to different DATs: a gel minitube and an immunochromatographic strip kit used in clinics; neutral gel column cards, microtiter plates (at 4°, 22°, and 37°C), capillary tubes, and flow cytometry used in laboratories. RESULTS Samples from healthy dogs yielded negative results with all immunodiagnostic tests. Among the 126 samples submitted for DAT 67 were positive by a DAT utilizing microtiter plates with goat anti-dog antiglobulin DAT at 22°C. Notably, DAT results were comparable and consistent across all evaluated methods regardless of antiglobulin and temperature used. DAT+ dogs were more severely anemic and more likely to have erythroid regeneration compared to DAT- dogs. Macroscopic agglutination in tubes or on slides was observed in 48 samples after 1:1 and 1:4 blood to saline dilution, but only persisted in four samples after washing. Among the DAT+ samples, 57% had agglutination, 87% had spherocytosis, and 45% had both. There was good correlation between spherocytosis and DAT results from the six DAT techniques, but the correlation with autoagglutination was only fair. Clinical follow-up was available for 42 dogs. Of the sample from 12 DAT+ dogs collected during treatment, 10 remained DAT+ when tested 1-24 weeks after initial assessment. CONCLUSIONS Based upon this comparative prospective survey, all in-clinic and laboratory DAT techniques produced similar results when performed by trained personnel and can therefore be recommended for detection of antibody-coated erythrocytes and immunohematological diagnosis. In addition, use of these tests for monitoring response of IMHA dogs to treatment might be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Idalan
- Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Laboklin GmbH&Co.KG, Steubenstrasse 4, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Johanna O Zeitz
- Laboklin GmbH&Co.KG, Steubenstrasse 4, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Corinna N Weber
- Laboklin GmbH&Co.KG, Steubenstrasse 4, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Müller
- Laboklin GmbH&Co.KG, Steubenstrasse 4, 97688, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Urs Giger
- Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Rabe A, Kihm A, Darras A, Peikert K, Simionato G, Dasanna AK, Glaß H, Geisel J, Quint S, Danek A, Wagner C, Fedosov DA, Hermann A, Kaestner L. The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and Its Relation to Cell Shape and Rigidity of Red Blood Cells from Chorea-Acanthocytosis Patients in an Off-Label Treatment with Dasatinib. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11050727. [PMID: 34066168 PMCID: PMC8151862 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disease with deformed red blood cells (RBCs), so-called acanthocytes, as a typical marker of the disease. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was recently proposed as a diagnostic biomarker. To date, there is no treatment option for affected patients, but promising therapy candidates, such as dasatinib, a Lyn-kinase inhibitor, have been identified. Methods: RBCs of two ChAc patients during and after dasatinib treatment were characterized by the ESR, clinical hematology parameters and the 3D shape classification in stasis based on an artificial neural network. Furthermore, mathematical modeling was performed to understand the contribution of cell morphology and cell rigidity to the ESR. Microfluidic measurements were used to compare the RBC rigidity between ChAc patients and healthy controls. Results: The mechano-morphological characterization of RBCs from two ChAc patients in an off-label treatment with dasatinib revealed differences in the ESR and the acanthocyte count during and after the treatment period, which could not directly be related to each other. Clinical hematology parameters were in the normal range. Mathematical modeling indicated that RBC rigidity is more important for delayed ESR than cell shape. Microfluidic experiments confirmed a higher rigidity in the normocytes of ChAc patients compared to healthy controls. Conclusions: The results increase our understanding of the role of acanthocytes and their associated properties in the ESR, but the data are too sparse to answer the question of whether the ESR is a suitable biomarker for treatment success, whereas a correlation between hematological and neuronal phenotype is still subject to verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Rabe
- Theoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany;
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany; (A.K.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (S.Q.); (C.W.)
| | - Alexander Kihm
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany; (A.K.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (S.Q.); (C.W.)
| | - Alexis Darras
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany; (A.K.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (S.Q.); (C.W.)
| | - Kevin Peikert
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany; (K.P.); (H.G.); (A.H.)
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Greta Simionato
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany; (A.K.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (S.Q.); (C.W.)
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany
| | - Anil Kumar Dasanna
- Institute of Biological Information Processing and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (A.K.D.); (D.A.F.)
| | - Hannes Glaß
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany; (K.P.); (H.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Jürgen Geisel
- Central Laboratory, Saarland University Medical Centre, 66424 Homburg, Germany;
| | - Stephan Quint
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany; (A.K.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (S.Q.); (C.W.)
- Cysmic GmbH, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Adrian Danek
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 81366 Munich, Germany;
| | - Christian Wagner
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany; (A.K.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (S.Q.); (C.W.)
- Physics and Materials Science Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, 1511 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Dmitry A. Fedosov
- Institute of Biological Information Processing and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (A.K.D.); (D.A.F.)
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht-Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany; (K.P.); (H.G.); (A.H.)
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Research Site Rostock/Greifswald, 18051 Rostock, Germany
- Center for Transdisciplinary Neurosciences Rostock (CTNR), University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany
| | - Lars Kaestner
- Theoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Saarland University, 66424 Homburg, Germany;
- Experimental Physics, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany; (A.K.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (S.Q.); (C.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-681-302-2417
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Wang J, Hertz L, Ruppenthal S, El Nemer W, Connes P, Goede JS, Bogdanova A, Birnbaumer L, Kaestner L. Lysophosphatidic Acid-Activated Calcium Signaling Is Elevated in Red Cells from Sickle Cell Disease Patients. Cells 2021; 10:456. [PMID: 33672679 PMCID: PMC7924404 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: It is known that sickle cells contain a higher amount of Ca2+ compared to healthy red blood cells (RBCs). The increased Ca2+ is associated with the most severe symptom of sickle cell disease (SCD), the vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). The Ca2+ entry pathway received the name of Psickle but its molecular identity remains only partly resolved. We aimed to map the involved Ca2+ signaling to provide putative pharmacological targets for treatment. (2) Methods: The main technique applied was Ca2+ imaging of RBCs from healthy donors, SCD patients and a number of transgenic mouse models in comparison to wild-type mice. Life-cell Ca2+ imaging was applied to monitor responses to pharmacological targeting of the elements of signaling cascades. Infection as a trigger of VOC was imitated by stimulation of RBCs with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). These measurements were complemented with biochemical assays. (3) Results: Ca2+ entry into SCD RBCs in response to LPA stimulation exceeded that of healthy donors. LPA receptor 4 levels were increased in SCD RBCs. Their activation was followed by the activation of Gi protein, which in turn triggered opening of TRPC6 and CaV2.1 channels via a protein kinase Cα and a MAP kinase pathway, respectively. (4) Conclusions: We found a new Ca2+ signaling cascade that is increased in SCD patients and identified new pharmacological targets that might be promising in addressing the most severe symptom of SCD, the VOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75708, USA;
| | - Laura Hertz
- Theoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
- Experimental Physics, Dynamics of Fluids, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany;
| | - Sandra Ruppenthal
- Experimental Physics, Dynamics of Fluids, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany;
- Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Wassim El Nemer
- Etablissement Français du Sang PACA-Corse, Aix Marseille Université, EFS, CNRS, ADES, 13005 Marseille, France;
- Laboratoire d’Excellence GR-Ex, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Philippe Connes
- Laboratoire d’Excellence GR-Ex, 75015 Paris, France;
- Laboratory LIBM EA7424, Vascular Biology and Red Blood Cell Teal, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Jeroen S. Goede
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, Kantonsspital Winterthur, CH-8401 Winterthur, Switzerland;
| | - Anna Bogdanova
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zürich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Lutz Birnbaumer
- Institute of Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina, C1107AFF Buenos Aires, Argentina;
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Lars Kaestner
- Theoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany;
- Experimental Physics, Dynamics of Fluids, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany;
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Lingering Dynamics in Microvascular Blood Flow. Biophys J 2021; 120:432-439. [PMID: 33359171 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The microvascular networks in the body of vertebrates consist of the smallest vessels such as arterioles, capillaries, and venules. The flow of red blood cells (RBCs) through these networks ensures the gas exchange in as well as the transport of nutrients to the tissues. Any alterations in this blood flow may have severe implications on the health state. Because the vessels in these networks obey dimensions similar to the diameter of RBCs, dynamic effects on the cellular scale play a key role. The steady progression in the numerical modeling of RBCs, even in complex networks, has led to novel findings in the field of hemodynamics, especially concerning the impact and the dynamics of lingering events when a cell meets a branch of the network. However, these results are yet to be matched by a detailed analysis of the lingering experiments in vivo. To quantify this lingering effect in in vivo experiments, this study analyzes branching vessels in the microvasculature of Syrian golden hamsters via intravital microscopy and the use of an implanted dorsal skinfold chamber. It also presents a detailed analysis of these lingering effects of cells at the apex of bifurcating vessels, affecting the temporal distribution of plasmatic zones of blood flow in the branches and even causing a partial blockage in severe cases.
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Bogdanova A, Kaestner L. Early Career Scientists' Guide to the Red Blood Cell - Don't Panic! Front Physiol 2020; 11:588. [PMID: 32903637 PMCID: PMC7438720 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Why should we take interest in studying red blood cells? This mini review attempts to answer this question and highlights the problems that authors find most appealing in this dynamic research area. It addresses the early career scientists who are just starting their independent journey and facing tough times. Despite unlimited access to information, the exponential development of computational and intellectual powers, and the seemingly endless possibilities open to talented and ambitious early career researchers, they soon realize that the pressure of imminent competition for financial support is hard. They have to hit deadlines, produce data, publish, report, teach, manage, lead groups, and remain loving family members at the same time. Are these countless hardships worth it? We think they are. Despite centuries of research, red blood cells remain a mysterious and fascinating study objects. These cells bring together experts within the family of the European Red Cell Society and beyond. We all share our joy for the unknown and excitement in understanding how red cells function and what they tell us about the microenvironments and macroenvironments they live in. This review is an invitation to our colleagues to join us on our quest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bogdanova
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty and the Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lars Kaestner
- Theoretical Medicine and Biosciences, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.,Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
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