A research team led by Professor Duan Liting, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has developed the Light-Inducible Mechanostimulator (LIMER), the world’s first technology capable of precisely applying force stimulation to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of living cells. A groundbreaking new study demonstrates for the first time that the ER can sense mechanical stimuli, filling a gap in the field and significantly advancing the scientific understanding of the mechanisms of cellular force sensing and response. The findings are detailed in the cover article of the prestigious journal Developmental Cell.

Human body is constantly subjected to external forces. Our ability to hear sounds, touch objects and feel the presence of loved ones is due to the capacity of our cells to sense mechanical stimuli. Despite two decades of scientific research into how cells sense and respond to these forces, many questions remain. A key mystery lies in the role of the ER—a large, network-like organelle within cells—in mechanical sensing and response. Cells are complex structures composed of the cell membrane, cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, and various organelles. The ER is crucial for protein synthesis and transport, calcium ion storage and various cellular processes; however, excessive or prolonged stress can disrupt its function and contribute to diseases such as neurodegeneration and cancer. Due to its connections with the cell nucleus and cytoskeleton, applying force to the ER without affecting other cellular structures has posed significant challenges for researchers.

LIMER utilises light to direct the pulling forces generated by molecules called motor proteins within the cell to the ER, allowing for precise, non-invasive mechanical stimulation without disturbing other structures. This innovative approach enables real-time observation of the ER’s reactions, revealing for the first time that it can quickly respond to mechanical stimuli by releasing calcium ions within seconds. This calcium release is vital for cell signalling and regulation of cell function. Understanding how the ER manages calcium ion release may help uncover disease mechanisms and inform the development of new treatments.

Professor Duan said: “Dysregulation of cellular responses to mechanical stimuli is closely linked to various diseases. Our findings indicate that the ER is a crucial yet often overlooked element of the cellular response mechanism. By understanding its response to mechanical forces, we can potentially develop innovative targeted treatments by precisely regulate cell functions using mechanical methods.”

The article based on this research was co-first authored by PhD students Yutong Song, Zhihao Zhao and Linyu Xu in CUHK’s Department of Biomedical Engineering.

The full text of the research paper can be found at:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.014

(extracted from the press release issued on 3 Oct 2024 by CUHK Communications and Public Relations Office)

Professor Ady Suwardi, Vice-Chancellor Assistant Professor from Department of Electronic Engineering received the award of Innovators Under 35 Asia Pacific 2024 by MIT Technology Review. "Innovators Under 35" is a prestigious platform and program that has been identifying young talent for over 20 years. This is an annual award to young scientists and innovators across Asia-Pacific region, limited to 35 awardees under age of 35 years old. This annual selection not only celebrates these individuals’ outstanding achievements but also underscores the growing influence of Asian talent in reshaping the global tech landscape.

Professor Suwardi turned waste into treasure by recycling discarded electronic devices such as solar panels, providing novel approaches to solve energy and environmental problems and maximize economic and environmental value. His research group primarily focuses on thermoelectric materials and devices, exploring how to convert waste electronic products into useful materials and enhance the thermoelectric performance of these materials through innovative technologies. Professor Suwardi and his team have conducted extensive research in the field of thermoelectric materials, including materials synthesis, processing technologies, the physics of electronic and thermal transport, and thermoelectric devices for ambient energy harvesting.

In a previous project, Professor Suwardi’s team developed an innovative method to upcycle non-purified silicon solar cells into valuable thermoelectric materials. By introducing phosphorus and germanium doping, they successfully converted non-purified silicon into thermoelectric materials with a figure of merit zT of 0.45. This approach offers both environmental and economic value and provides a new avenue for addressing environmental and energy challenges simultaneously.

Additionally, they developed new thermoelectric materials using advanced processes like 3D printing, especially focusing on the high-performance engineering of 3D-printed porous thermoelectric materials. These practices successfully achieved environmentally friendly and efficient energy conversion.

More information: https://www.mittrchina.com/news/detail/13756