# Ribosome Incorporation Transdifferentiates Chick Primary Cells and Induces Their Proliferation by Secreting Growth Factors

## TL;DR

This study shows that incorporating ribosomes into chick cells can transdifferentiate them into various cell types and boost their growth, offering a new method for cultured meat production.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the universality of ribosome-induced transdifferentiation in non-mammalian cells and introduces a new system for cultured meat production.

## Key findings

- Ribosome incorporation transdifferentiates chick muscle cells into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes.
- The culture medium from ribosome-incorporated cells enhances cell proliferation.
- RNA-seq shows increased expression of genes related to multi-lineage cell growth in ribosome-incorporated cells.

## Abstract

Previously, we reported that mammalian cells, specifically human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), could be transdifferentiated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Later, we observed that HDFs incorporated LAB-derived ribosomes, forming the ribosome-induced cell clusters (RICs) and transdifferentiating into cells derived from all three germ layers. Based on this insight, we hypothesized that incorporating ribosomes into non-mammalian cells could reveal the universality of this mechanism and open the door to commercial applications. Our current study demonstrates that ribosome incorporation can transdifferentiate chick primary muscle-derived cells (CMCs) into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. Furthermore, the culture medium supernatant from ribosome-incorporated CMCs was found to significantly enhance CMC’s proliferation. RNA-seq analysis revealed that RICs-CMC exhibit increased expression of genes related to multi-lineage cell growth. In addition, we developed a novel technological shift in meat production—the “CulNet System”—which replicates organ interactions within mechanical systems for cell-cultured meat production. While significant efforts are still required to implement this technology in a cost-effective manner, we believe that combining the “CulNet System” with ribosome-incorporated multipotent cells that have prolonged culture capability could substantially improve the scalability and cost-effectiveness of cultured chicken meat production. This report highlights a promising approach for cell-culture-based meat production, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional methods.