Energy-producing chloroplasts from algae have been integrated into hamster cells, giving those cells the ability to harness light for photosynthesis, as revealed by recent research conducted in Japan. It was previously believed that it was not feasible to merge chloroplasts—structures containing chlorophyll found in plant and algae cells—with animal cells, and that the chloroplasts would not survive or be operational. However, findings indicate active photosynthesis persisted for at least two days. This method holds promise for artificial tissue engineering, where tissues often encounter growth challenges due to insufficient oxygen. By incorporating cells enriched with chloroplasts, oxygen and energy could be generated through exposure to light and the process of photosynthesis.
Energy-producing chloroplasts from algae have been integrated into hamster cells, giving those cells the ability to harness light for photosynthesis, as revealed by recent research conducted in Japan. It was previously believed that it was not feasible to merge chloroplasts—structures containing chlorophyll found in plant and algae cells—with animal cells, and that the chloroplasts would not survive or be operational. However, findings indicate active photosynthesis persisted for at least two days. This method holds promise for artificial tissue engineering, where tissues often encounter growth challenges due to insufficient oxygen. By incorporating cells enriched with chloroplasts, oxygen and energy could be generated through exposure to light and the process of photosynthesis.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to be solar-powered? Imagine if, similar to plants or algae, simply relaxing in the sunlight could provide you with energy (and not just vitamin D)? This concept might sound like something out of science fiction, but certain creatures are already utilizing this clever trick. For instance, giant clams engage in a symbiotic relationship with algae. The algae, which contain chloroplasts, can convert sunlight into food and oxygen. In this partnership, the clams offer a habitat for the algae while the algae provide essential energy that helps their hosts flourish.
However, animal cells have not been known to possess chloroplasts—until now, as researchers have successfully demonstrated that the two can be effectively fused.
“To our knowledge, this is the first documented instance of photosynthetic electron transport occurring in chloroplasts implanted within animal cells,” stated Professor Sachihiro Matsunaga from the University of Tokyo, the lead author of the research paper. This process, which generates chemical energy and is vital for various cell functions in plants and algae, was thought to be impossible in animal cells. “We expected the chloroplasts would be broken down by the animal cells shortly after being introduced. Instead, our observations showed they were functional for up to two days, and we observed the electron transport associated with photosynthetic activity,” he explained.
The research team introduced chloroplasts from red algae into hamster cell cultures. They employed various imaging techniques, such as confocal microscopy, superresolution microscopy, and electron microscopy, to analyze the chloroplasts’ structures within the cells. Additionally, they confirmed the occurrence of electron transport during photosynthesis by utilizing light pulses, a method known as pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry.
“We believe this research will have significant implications for cellular tissue engineering,” noted Matsunaga. “Tissues created in laboratories, like artificial organs, synthetic meat, and skin sheets, consist of multiple cell layers. However, they face limitations in expansion due to hypoxia (low oxygen levels) within the tissue, which inhibits cell division. Introducing chloroplast-embedded cells could enable these cells to generate oxygen through photosynthesis, enhancing internal conditions and promoting growth,” he clarified.
The team is pursuing further research on developing “planimal” cells that can offer the beneficial traits of plants within animals. Their findings indicated that animal cells containing chloroplasts exhibited a higher growth rate, which implies that the chloroplasts provided a carbon source (energy) for the host cells. Future investigations may explore how host cells and chloroplasts interact and what additional substances are produced in the process.
Matsunaga expressed optimism: “We believe planimal cells could be revolutionary, potentially aiding us in achieving a ‘green transformation’ towards a carbon-neutral society. We will continue to advance innovative biotechnologies aimed at fostering a sustainable future and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.”
