Chapter 3 - Experimental Results - data

In the present chapter, we aimed to explore the cellular morphology and the factors driving adaptation to the new metabolic environment, particularly given the increased levels of H₂DCF reactive species observed in glucose-free medium in Chapter 2.Our findings demonstrate the complex interplay between metabolic context, cellular morphology, and oxidative stress in NHDF cells. The shift from glycolysis to OXPHOS, driven by changes in glucose availability, led to significant alterations in cell metabolism, growth, and morphology. We can also conclude that larger cells significantly affect the outcomes of many experimental assays, highlighting the need for precise normalization. Given the phenotypic changes that occur under varying metabolic conditions, experimental results should be normalized by the number of nuclei rather than cell mass. This approach ensures that observed cellular responses are not skewed by differences in cell size, leading to more accurate and reliable data interpretation. Furthermore, the inhibition of mitochondrial stimulation by an antioxidant highlights the potential for oxidative stress to act as a signaling mechanism in metabolic adaptation. These insights contribute to our understanding of how cells respond to metabolic challenges and may inform strategies for modulating cellular metabolism in therapeutic contexts.<br>