Stanford University’s Prakash Lab has made a significant discovery regarding the placozoa, a simple animal found in the Red Sea. Researchers uncovered a new type of tissue folding that has never been observed in nature, revealing insights into how fundamental cellular features contribute to the evolution of animal shapes. This research highlights how the placozoa, despite lacking a brain or nervous system, can execute complex shapeshifting akin to origami.
The study, published on December 21, 2025, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explores the unique role of cilia, the hairlike structures present on many cells. Researchers, including graduate student Charlotte Brannon and lead author Manu Prakash, found that the cilia on the placozoa navigate along surfaces, effectively molding the tissue into various shapes.
New Insights into Evolution and Development
The significance of this research extends beyond understanding placozoa. It challenges existing theories about the evolution of shape and form in early animals, suggesting that simple principles, such as those observed in origami, may have influenced the development of complex life forms hundreds of millions of years ago. This groundbreaking work not only enhances our understanding of animal evolution but also sheds light on essential processes like tissue development, which is crucial in both embryonic growth and the intricate folds of the human brain.
Brannon and Prakash’s findings underscore the importance of tissue folding in various biological contexts. The ability of cells to fold and unfold is vital for both structural integrity and functional specialization in living organisms.
The implications of this research are profound, as it opens new avenues for exploring how simple cellular mechanisms can lead to complex biological structures. As scientists continue to investigate the properties of placozoa, this study may pave the way for advancements in developmental biology and regenerative medicine.
For more detailed information, refer to the study: Charlotte M. Brannon et al, Cilia-driven epithelial folding and unfolding in an early diverging animal, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2517741122.
