Name: Aguirre, Fitz Liezylle S. Activity 2.

2 Article Review
12-STEM A7 09.25.2023 (Monday)

Reflection Paper

“Cell Junctions' Respond To Environmental Signals"

The article "Cell Junctions Respond To Environmental Signals" explains how remarkably flexible cell
junctions are in response to external environmental cues. It underscores the dynamic nature of cellular
interactions and their ability to actively sense and respond to changes in the surrounding milieu.

Additionally, the research discussed in the article implies potential of implications for a number of
sectors, including tissue engineering and medicine. Understanding how cell junctions respond to
environmental stimuli may contribute in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for diseases
involving faulty cell junctions, such as particular types of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The overall
goal of this study is to emphasize the expanding corpus of information on complicated cellular activity
and its wide-ranging consequences for both fundamental biology and medicine.

Guide Questions:

1. What was the article about?

The article was about the role of intercellular junctions in cancer progression, highlighting their dynamic
nature and involvement in signaling related to cell growth and motility.

2. What was Prof. Green's discovery?

Professor Green's discovery was related to a new tumor suppressor gene called "scribble," which is a
component of intercellular septate junctions. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes like "scribble" can
lead to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation.

3. Why did they use Drosophila as a model specimen?

Drosophila (fruit flies) were used as a model organism because they are often employed in scientific
research due to their short generation time, well-characterized genetics, and ease of genetic
manipulation. Discoveries in Drosophila can provide insights into human diseases, including cancer.

4. What are the results?

The symposium revealed previously unknown genes and pathways related to cell growth and movement
control. Professor Green's discovery aids our understanding of how cancer cells spread (metastasis) in
the body.