Now in our 13th year of bringing you beautiful imagery from biomedical science every day

Search the archive of over 4000 images

Dropping Anchors

Proteins called GPI-anchors on cells' outer membrane have a vital role in facial development

16 July 2019

Dropping Anchors

Like a noticeboard filled with posters, the outer surface of a cell is littered with proteins conveying information to surrounding cells. Many of these proteins are pinned in place by lipids, specifically GPI-anchors. Defective GPI-anchor production in humans, as a result of genetic mutations, causes seizures, cleft palates and altered facial features. Researchers hone in on mutations in the gene pgap2, which is involved in GPI production. Mouse pgap2 mutants had reduced amounts of GPI, as well as cleft lips and palates. Imaging developing mouse tissues using fluorescence microscopy (pictured) revealed clear defects in mutants (right) in the tissues that would go on to become the face and brain compared to normal mice (left). A closer look revealed excessive cell death within these tissues in mutants. These insights bring us a step closer to understanding the mechanisms that underlie diseases caused by the defective production of GPI anchors.

Written by Lux Fatimathas

Search The Archive

Submit An Image

Follow on Tumblr

Follow on Instagram

What is BPoD?

BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

Read More

BPoD is also available in Catalan at www.bpod.cat with translations by the University of Valencia.