The secrets of cell bridges revealed: what can you learn from them?

Most cells in the bodies of living beings divide into new cells through cell division, but germ cells, which become eggs or sperm, do not separate completely. Instead, they are connected via small bridges called ring channels and are bundled together.

In a recent study, researchers discovered how the germ cells of fruit flies form these ring canals. This discovery may help us better understand how cells develop and treat diseases where cell division is disrupted, such as cancer.

The researchers used a live imaging approach to observe what various ring channel proteins were doing in the germ cells of both male and female flies. They found that an unusually large structure forms in fruit fly germ cells during cell division and, instead of separating completely, transforms into a ring connecting sister cells.

This finding may also help us understand how species evolve and find ways to treat diseases in which cell division is disrupted, such as colorectal cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and some immunodeficiency syndromes. In the future, the researchers want to identify the mechanisms that drive germ cells to stay connected.