Diversity of Cell Stress Responses
Published in Nature Communications, two complementary studies led by Dr. Mariona Nadal-Ribelles, Dr. Francesc Posas and Dr. Eulàlia de Nadal have disclosed how genetically identical cells use distinct strategies to respond to environmental stress. The researchers have shown that individual cells activate different combinations of stress-response genes, creating diverse cellular states within the same population.
The studies have demonstrated that some cells spontaneously pre-activate stress programmes even in the absence of stress, while others remain in alternative transcriptional states that respond only upon exposure. These distinct strategies generate functional heterogeneity, enabling cell populations to adapt and survive fluctuating environments. The findings help explain why genetically identical cells can display different levels of stress resistance and distinct responses to treatment.
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