Science
Hydra rebuilds the body by restoring its internal cellular map
Key Points
Before a hydra can regrow a head or foot, its cells appear to rebuild the internal map that tells them where they are and what they should become next, FMI researchers report. The work suggests that cells need to interpret not only where they are in the body, but also what stage of regeneration they are in—a finding that could help explain how tissues regenerate after injury.
Before a hydra can regrow a head or foot, its cells appear to rebuild the internal map that tells them where they are and what they should become next, FMI researchers report. The work suggests that cells need to interpret not only where they are in the body, but also what stage of regeneration they are in—a finding that could help explain how tissues regenerate after injury.