Manipulating cells to study internal specialization

Ars Technica : Most cells are able to form specialized and localized internal structures in response to signals from their environment. Current methods for altering the behavior of a cell affect the whole cell, however, and thus make them ineffective in studying the processes behind the local specialization. Now, an international team of researchers has developed a technique that uses magnetic nanoparticles to deliver proteins to specific locations within a cell. By linking the nanoparticles to fluorescent molecules, the researchers could use a magnetic tip to move the nanoparticles and the attached proteins around the cell. They tested the technique, which they call “magnetogenetics,” by coating the nanoparticles with activated proteins associated with cell movement. When they moved the nanoparticles near the cell wall, the proteins caused a protrusion of actin fibers in that locationâmdash;much like what happens when the cell is about to move in that direction. If the technique can be applied to other proteins, it could provide a new and effective way to study cells’ internal processes.