Automated profiling of gene function during embryonic development. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38759650/)

These scientists wanted to understand how different genes work together to make an organism grow and develop. They studied a tiny worm called C. elegans and used special imaging techniques to watch how its embryos grow. They turned off 500 different genes in the worms to see how it affected their development.

To make sense of all the information they gathered, the scientists created a computer program that could compare the different ways the embryos developed. The program looked at things like how many cells were in different parts of the embryo, where the tissues were located, and their shapes. By analyzing all this data, they were able to create a sort of "signature" for each gene that showed how it influenced the development of the worm.

Using this information, the scientists were able to group genes together based on how similar their effects were on the worm's development. They also discovered new connections between genes and pathways that control how cells become different types and how the body takes shape. This study helps scientists better understand how genes work together to create complex organisms like us!

Green RA., Khaliullin RN., Zhao Z., Ochoa SD., Hendel JM., Chow TL., Moon H., Biggs RJ., Desai A., Oegema K. Automated profiling of gene function during embryonic development. Cell. 2024 May 8:S0092-8674(24)00407-0. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.012.