These bridges are just the first step; they're followed by a homotypic re-epithelialization of each tissue layer. The entire fragment rounds up, ultimately restoring the tubular anatomy of the animal (but now half the width of the original!). 8/13

These bridges always formed in a sequential manner and resolved after ~20 hrs, ultimately bringing the two epithelial layers in close proximity. This process was not unique to the sagittal amputation; transverse cuts through the pharynx (damaging both epithelia) showed the same structures. 7/13

We saw that the early steps of wound closure looked very different from the transverse cuts. Long, actin-rich protrusions emerged from both epithelial layers over the first 10 hours post-injury, extending over the wound edge and meeting in the middle to form heterotypic bridges. 6/13

I found that actin dyes labeled the epidermis and began by cutting the worms in half transversely. These wounds gradually constricted to cover the wound. We saw only an early, transient difference in closure speed between heads and tails - despite very different types of regeneration. 4/13

Today's #FluorescenceFriday is featuring the peripheral muscle of Hofstenia miamia 💪

Our transgenic acoel embryos are beautifully mosaic 😍 showing off the developing epidermis for #FluorescenceFriday

The GRC on Cell Contact & Adhesion was truly fantastic (and in such a beautiful place!) - thanks to everyone involved for building such a great community.

I had a fantastic time at the annual @jcchildsfund.bsky.social symposium. It’s always a treat to be surrounded by brilliant and passionate people, and even more so in the midst of so much chaos. Thank you all for the conversations, the community, and (of course) for sharing your amazing science.

Cilia galore! The cytoskeletal dye SiR-tubulin beautifully labels the (very ciliated) epidermis of Hofstenia miamia. #FluorescenceFriday

Some beautiful Hofstenia neurons for #FluorescenceFriday!