Dr. Alfonso Martinez Arias, a development biologist and author, challenges the gene-centric view of biology. He argues that cells, not just DNA, shape our identity and are crucial in understanding diseases and longevity. Dr. Martinez shares insights on the complex signaling and communication between cells, emphasizing the importance of their collective behavior. He also discusses his innovative work with gastruloids to unravel embryonic development, highlighting the interplay of mechanics and biology in forming multicellular life. A thought-provoking dive into cellular science!
01:20:50
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Cells Create What DNA Only Identifies
Our visible identity arises from cells, not directly from DNA sequences.
DNA functions like an identifier or toolkit, not the finished product of an organism.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Chimeras Show Cells Negotiate Identity
Chimeric humans can contain two different genomes yet develop into a single, proportioned person.
Those outcomes show cells negotiate development, not DNA alone.
insights INSIGHT
Cell Context Directs Gene Use
Cells sense number and organization and then use genes to execute programs.
The same genes yield different outcomes depending on cellular context and counts.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Dr. Alfonso Martinez Arias is a development biologist and the author of the book The Master Builder: How the New Science of the Cell Is Rewriting the Story of Life. He also co-authored the biology textbook Principles of Development, which was awarded the Royal Society of Biology book prize.
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/aarias
OVERVIEW:
Each of our cells has the same DNA. Yet they somehow differentiate into different body parts - eyes, ears, skin, and so on. There is no information in the DNA that tells our cells what to be. How then do they do it?
This is just one example of how contrary to what many might think, DNA does not explain every problem state in biology. Biology has placed too much emphasis on our genes, trying to explain every disease state using genes, when the answer might not reside with them. What if answers to these questions lies with cells?
Even though Dr. Martinez started off as a geneticist, he decided to pivot to understand the properties of cells better. By understanding our cells better, we can make further progress in understanding disease, longevity, and development.
Towards the end, we also talk about Alfonso's fascinating work on gastruloids which are a model to unravel the mysteries of embryonic development, and understand how humans are formed.
This conversation is about the cell’s eye view of biology, and how the gene's eye view of biology might have mislead us. We also talk about why the popular selfish gene theory espoused by Richard Dawkins is incomplete. Looking beyond genes is instrumental to making progress in longevity.
Episode Show Notes: https://livelongerworld.com/p/aarias
Find me: https://x.com/aasthajs
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
1:15 DNA does not make us unique
5:28 Cells use our genes
10:42 “We have overstretched what genes can explain”
15:41 Relation between genes and cells
20:28 What about the role of epigenetics?
22:42 Cells use mechanical and chemical signals
27:34 Thoughts on bioelectricity and Michael Levin
32:28 Emergence of cells
38:10 Importance of biophysics; What is life?
42:32 Is cancer when cells lose control?
47:58 Richard Dawkins’ Selfish Gene is Incomplete
54:11 But what if genes control development?
57:29 How to complete the selfish gene view?
1:02:05 Cell’s eye view of biology
1:04:48 Understanding embryonic development; gastruloids
1:18:15 Questions Dr. Alfonso is pursuing1:19:47 Thoughts from Feynman
AASTHA, LIVE LONGER WORLD:
X: https://x.com/aasthajs
Newsletter: https://livelongerworld.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aasthajs/
DR. ALFONSO MARTINEZ ARIAS:
Master Builder book: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Builder-Science-Rewriting-Story/dp/1541603273
X: https://x.com/AMartinezArias
Bio page: https://www.icrea.cat/Web/ScientificStaff/alfonso-martinez-arias-352001
Live Longer World 