Scientists Use Light to Control How Cells Move and Shape Themselves

How chromosomes shape up for cell division

For successful cell division, chromosomal DNA needs to be packed into compact rod-shaped structures. Defects in this process can lead to cell death or diseases like cancer. A new study has shown how chromosomes change shape during cell division. Certain protein complexes help fold DNA into overlapping loops that repel each other, which then stack to create a rod-like structure. This is the first time scientists have directly observed an entire c…

Light-induced cortical excitability reveals programmable shape dynamics in starfish oocytes

Chemo-mechanical waves play a key role in force generation and long-range signal transmission in cells that dynamically change shape, for example, during cell division or morphogenesis. Reconstituting and controlling such chemically controlled cell deformations is a crucial but unsolved challenge for the development of synthetic cells. Here we present an optogenetic method to investigate the mechanism responsible for coordinating surface contrac…

MIT scientists reshape starfish using light – Here’s how

MIT researchers have found the way to control cell movement using light.

MIT's engineered starfish cells shape-shift in response to light

This work could provide a blueprint for designing ‘programmable’ synthetic cells, letting researchers orchestrate shape changes at will.

MIT scientists use light to change the shape of starfish cells

MIT scientists have discovered a way to control the movements of starfish cells using light, which could have biomedical applications.

Scientists use light to control how cells move and shape themselves

MIT researchers use optogenetics to control cell movements, opening new frontiers in developmental biology and biomedical innovation.