A C. elegans cell during interphase as polarity is established (left). A two-cell embryo C. elegans shortly after cell division (right)
JON MICHAUX

In a paper published October 1 in the Journal of Cell Biology, researchers led by Edwin Munro of the University of Chicago report that a protein known as RhoA is key to a process known as pulse contractility in C. elegans, which enables tissues to shape-shift during development.

J.B. Michaux et al., “Excitable RhoA dynamics drive pulsed contractions in the early C. elegans embryo,” J Cell Biol, doi:10.1083/jcb.201806161, 2018.

Interested in reading more?

The Scientist ARCHIVES

Become a Member of

Receive full access to more than 35 years of archives, as well as TS Digest, digital editions of The Scientist, feature stories, and much more!
Already a member?