How Metabolism Can Shape Cells’ Destinies | Quanta Magazine

Researchers have discovered that cell metabolism plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and driving developmental decisions, rather than just being a byproduct of cellular activity. This idea challenges the traditional view of genetics and metabolism as separate entities and instead suggests that metabolism is an integral part of the developmental process. By studying the relationship between mitochondria, stress responses, and epigenetic modifications, scientists have found that metabolic signals can influence gene expression and cell fate decisions during embryonic development and cancer progression.