Fly Through

With over 20,000 genes inside most human cells, one challenge is finding out which of them are “switched on” or expressed – and where? And when? These questions are easier to answer first in simpler but similar organisms like the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). Spatial transcriptomics spots the mRNA molecules produced during gene expression, a vital step in producing proteins that give cells their traits and behaviours. In this cross section through one fly, different colours highlight distinct mRNAs. Building on work to map out the fly’s cell atlas, spatial transcriptomics reveals subtle patterns in gene expression – and potential clues to previously unknown pools of cells. Similar approaches may help to map out variation in human cells and tissues, as well as potential targets in cancers.

Written by John Ankers

John Ankers

Writer

A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

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• Image from work by Jasper Janssens and colleagues
• VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
• Image originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
• Published in eLife, March 2025