Contact: Kim Thurler
kim.thurler@tufts.edu
617-627-3175
Tufts University

PCP Pathway Acts as Stop Sign for Cell Growth

Caption: Immunofluorescent marking of Xenopus tadpole neurons shows that when the Vangl2 gene in the PCP pathway is interrupted, the developing tadpole exhibits 21 percent more nerve growth in the tail tip (bottom) compared with control (top). Open arrowheads indicate no nerve growth; solid arrowheads show increased nerve growth. Very little is known about how new cell growth is halted during normal processes. This discovery by Tufts University biologists has implications for areas such as tissue regeneration and wound healing, and prevention and treatment of cancer and birth defects.

Credit: Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology at Tufts University

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Related news release: PCP genetic pathway acts as stop sign for cell growth