Bioelectrical signals control stem cell progeny

Transmembrane potential of GlyCl-expressing instructor cells induces a neoplastic-like conversion of melanocytes via a serotonergic pathway by Douglas Blackiston, Dany S. Adams, Joan M. Lemire, Maria Lobikin, and Michael Levin (Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, and Biology Department, Tufts University, Medford, Department of Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Forsyth Institute, Boston, USA), Disease Models and Mechanisms, 2011 January; 4(1): 67–85.

From the paper:

"Understanding the mechanisms that coordinate stem cell behavior within the host is a high priority for developmental biology, regenerative medicine and oncology. Endogenous ion currents and voltage gradients function alongside biochemical cues during pattern formation and tumor suppression, but it is not known whether bioelectrical signals are involved in the control of stem cell progeny in vivo... Melanocytes were counted by cellAnalyst software (AssaySoft) on digital photographs of anesthetized larvae. "