Medical Research Council - London Institute of Medical Sciences

Now in our 12th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Growing Up

Cell contact drives direction of cell movement in developing tissues

24 March 2021

Growing Up

Metamorphosis sees tadpoles transforming into frogs and caterpillar larvae blooming into butterflies. This fruit fly larva undergoes its own changes – here a thin layer of muscle grows along its testis, pictured under a high-powered microscope. Each developing muscle cell or myotube is followed in rainbow colours by a computer algorithm (right). This unusual living model teaches researchers more about cell migration – here myotubes use tiny finger-like filopodia to feel around and move 'upwards' into space, while movement 'downwards' is blocked by contact with other cells, giving the migrating cells direction. Analysing the genes and chemicals involved may suggest ways in which development can be guided in cells with faulty genes, perhaps raising hopes for treating human developmental conditions.

Written by John Ankers

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences the website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biomedicine. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.