DNA is not destiny

I love ❤️ Quanta Magazine! In this article (link), Viviane Callier does a great job of laying out in simple terms a very complex topic: in fact, that is the point, the cell is a complex object (a recurrent theme) and DNA is not (entirely) destiny.

Here the focus is on metabolism, which plays a crucial role in shaping cell fates, a process traditionally thought to be controlled solely by genetics. Metabolic by-products, such as amino acids, nucleotides, and lipids, influence gene activity and cell differentiation. Metabolism not only provides energy but also synthesizes materials that guide cell decisions. Some examples:

1️⃣ Early Embryonic Development – Metabolites influence whether cells become specific types like placenta or embryo.

2️⃣ Cancer Cells – Abnormal metabolism in cancer cells helps them grow and survive by reprogramming metabolic pathways.

3️⃣ Stem Cells – Metabolism affects the decision of stem cells to either self-renew or differentiate into specific cell types.

4️⃣ Immune Cells – Metabolic changes help immune cells determine whether to become inflammatory or anti-inflammatory.

5️⃣ Diet and Environment – External factors like nutrition and environmental stress can influence cell fate by altering metabolism.

And of course I would add to the external environment the billions of microbial organisms in your body that have a lot of influence, through their own metabolisms, on the available nutrients and the conditions experienced by your cells.