Research from Stanford University’s Prakash Lab has revealed an extraordinary mechanism of tissue folding in the placozoa, a simple animal found in the Red Sea. This study, published on December 21, 2025, uncovers how this organism can fold itself into intricate shapes, offering significant insights into the fundamental aspects of cellular structure and evolution.
Led by bioengineer Manu Prakash and graduate student Charlotte Brannon, the research demonstrates a new type of tissue folding that has not been previously observed in nature. The scientists found that placozoa, known for its flat, sheet-like form and lack of a brain or nervous system, utilizes cellular structures called cilia to achieve complex shapeshifting, reminiscent of origami techniques.
New Insights into Cellular Mechanics
The study highlights the role of cilia, hairlike appendages found on the surface of many cells, in facilitating the folding and unfolding of tissue. By walking along surfaces, these cilia help mold the shape of the placozoa, suggesting a more dynamic process of tissue formation than previously understood. This finding redefines the significance of cilia beyond their known functions, positioning them as crucial players in the evolution of shape and form in early animals.
The implications of this research extend beyond understanding this particular organism. The principles uncovered could shed light on the evolutionary pathways of multicellular life, occurring hundreds of millions of years ago. The results underscore the importance of tissue folding in various biological processes, including brain development and tissue integration during embryonic growth.
Broader Applications and Future Research
Understanding tissue folding is vital, as it plays a critical role in numerous biological functions. The research team’s findings may pave the way for advancements in developmental biology and regenerative medicine. By learning how simple organisms manage complex shapes, scientists could apply these principles to enhance tissue engineering techniques and improve understanding of congenital defects.
The study, titled “Cilia-driven epithelial folding and unfolding in an early diverging animal,” is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. With this work, Prakash and Brannon have opened a new chapter in the study of animal life, evolution, and tissue development.
For more detailed findings, the full research can be accessed through the journal’s official publication.