Acidification on the plasma membrane
Ewan MacDonald1, Ludger Johannes2, Christian Wunder2
1Montpellier Cell Biology Research Center, CRBM, Université 40 Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|May 16, 2025
Summary
Maintaining cellular pH balance is vital for cell functions. New methods allow real-time pH monitoring, revealing its critical role in cell cycle, signaling, and tissue processes.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cellular pH homeostasis is essential for numerous biological processes.
- Advances in pH sensing technologies enable real-time monitoring in live systems.
- Understanding pH dynamics is key to deciphering cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significance of pH in cellular and tissue physiology.
- To highlight the impact of pH on diverse cellular mechanisms.
- To discuss the implications of pH regulation in health and disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of current pH quantification techniques (organic dyes, fluorescent proteins, DNA probes).
- Discussion of pH-dependent cellular processes.
- Analysis of extracellular pH modulation by growth factors.
Main Results:
- Real-time pH monitoring (4-9 range) in live cells and tissues is now achievable.
- pH influences cell cycle, transcription, senescence, neurotransmission, endocytosis, tissue remodeling, immune responses, and GPCR signaling.
- Extracellular acidification by growth factors activates membrane enzymes involved in cell migration and bone resorption.
Conclusions:
- pH is a fundamental regulator of cellular and tissue functions.
- Continued research into pH's role promises significant discoveries in physiology and medicine.
- Precise pH control is critical for maintaining cellular health and organismal homeostasis.
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