We know so much information about cells by the amazing researchers that study how cells function in culture. It is always refreshing to see some biologists take this knowledge into a three-dimensional organism to help us understand even more about cells and development. It is even better when we get to see the images!
During development of an organism, cells frequently have to migrate from the spot where they were born to the spot where they will eventually form tissue and organs. Migration is a complicated process, and a recent paper describes the importance of the interaction between the plasma membrane and the cytoskeletal network directly underneath in order for migration to happen smoothly. The images above show three different types of membrane protrusions (blebs, filopodia, and lamellapodia) seen in prechordal plate progenitor cells in zebrafish embryos as they migrate to their eventual destination.
BONUS!! Check out a cool movie of the cell migration here.
Diz-Muñoz, A., Krieg, M., Bergert, M., Ibarlucea-Benitez, I., Muller, D., Paluch, E., & Heisenberg, C. (2010). Control of Directed Cell Migration In Vivo by Membrane-to-Cortex Attachment PLoS Biology, 8 (11) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000544
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