Transforming eukaryotic cell culture with macromolecular crowding

In multicellular organisms, the intracellular and extracellular spaces are considerably packed with a diverse range of macromolecular species. Yet, standard eukaryotic cell culture is performed in dilute, and deprived of macromolecules culture media, that barely imitate the density and complex macromolecular composition of tissues. Essentially, we drown cells in a sea of media and then expect them to perform physiologically. Herein, we argue the use of macromolecular crowding (MMC) in eukaryotic cell culture for regenerative medicine and drug discovery purposes.

Automated summary

Standard eukaryotic cell culture lacks the density and complexity of macromolecular species present in tissues, making it difficult for cells to perform physiologically. The use of macromolecular crowding (MMC) in eukaryotic cell culture is proposed for regenerative medicine and drug discovery purposes to better mimic the crowded environment of tissues.