An Embryonic Cell's Fate Is Sealed by the Speed of a Signal (VIDEO)

Rockefeller University

Caption

To visualize cells' responses to the signals that ultimately lead them to choose a fate, the researchers engineered a protein involved in this response, Smad4, to glow. In response to a pulse of signal molecules, Smad4 moves into the dark nuclei of the cells, causing them to glow briefly.

Credit

Brivanlou Lab; Siggia Lab; The Rockefeller University

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