From In Vitro to In Vivo

The purpose of this review is to compare and contrast eukaryotic cell culture experiments with ecological microcosms and will emphasize the areas where the two approaches overlap. Cell culture experiments involve cultivating cells outside their natural setting to study cellular behavior, disease mechanisms, and drug responses. Conversely, microcosms replicate natural ecosystems in controlled environments, providing insights into ecological processes and substance fate. While cell culture focuses on cellular and molecular biology, microcosms lean towards ecological and environmental studies. However, both techniques overlap, especially in environmental toxicology, where cell culture findings are validated in microcosms to assess ecological impacts. Advancements in whole genome sequencing, metagenomics, and metabolomics have enabled the linkage of cell culture-based studies and microcosms to investigate molecular biology. Cell culture experiments contribute significantly to biomedical research, drug development, and regenerative medicine, while microcosms are valuable for understanding ecosystem dynamics and assessing environmental risks. The review discusses the historical development of cell culture and microcosms, highlighting key milestones such as the creation of the first human cell line (HeLa cells) and the emergence of stem cells and organoids. It also explores the future applications of cell culture, including cell-based screening for drug testing and the transition from 2-D to 3-D cell screening techniques for more accurate results. Addressing global health and environmental challenges through small-scale experiments using microcosms or "within the glass" (in vitro) cell line models is essential. Despite the time-consuming nature of these experiments, they contribute to developing theories and practical solutions for responding to climate change and emerging diseases. In summary, cell culture experiments and microcosms are indispensable in scientific research, offering unique insights into biology and ecology and hold immense potential for addressing pressing challenges in various fields.