BPoD has moved!

BPoD has recently changed our domain name - we can now be found at bpod.org.uk

Please update your bookmarks!

Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Modelling how the signalling molecule ERK influences cell migration

29 November 2020

Shoved by ERKs

The microscopic world can be rough – cells self-destruct or fire chemicals at each other, some engulf their neighbours, all while prodding and poking to feel their way around. This skin-like sheet of mammalian cells communicates with an unusual combination of chemicals and shoving – a chemical called ERK helps a cell to stretch out, pushing into its neighbours and causing a knock-on effect – their ERK level begins to rise too. This feedback loop produces waves of physical jostling closely followed by waves of ERK, passing from cell to cell through the crowd (shown in orange). Mathematical models predict this creates an overall pulling force towards empty space – in the body this might explain how cells migrate towards a wound or how cancer cells spread, and may allow virtual trials of the effects of drugs on the cellular tussle.

Written by John Ankers

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. 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.