Key transcripts encoded centrin-like proteins, a frequent component of sensory/contractile structures in protists. We visualized tentacle ultrastructure by U-ExM with @dudinlab.bsky.social lab, discovering stunning tip and collar structures 🤯that add structural complexity to new tentacle formation.

Cellular structure self-organizes through an interplay between internal mechanisms and external cues. The single-celled suctorian P. collini builds a trap structure to capture large prey using microtubule feeding tentacles, creating feedback between cell morphology and prey availability.

Finally – there are many mysteries to still resolve for these cells. From dramatic metamorphic capabilities🤯 to prey preference and detection mechanisms 🕵️. For anyone interested in collaborating or getting their hands on these cells, these fantastic beasts culture well and we’re happy to share!

Big congrats, Qixiang! Super cool study 🎉

Congrats CJ and all authors!! 🎉

We propose that the reshaping of chromatin and the binding in a cluster-like manner can be one of the solutions to the so-called search problem. We hypothesize that this binding in high concentrations of Oct4 might be key to explaining how silenced genes are activated in cellular reprogramming.