We are currently investigating the nature of this intriguing axial structure! 🤝 Project with Teresa Madurell from @icmcsic.bsky.social You can find the poster ➡️ zenodo.org/records/1579...
We also applied a collagen labeling protocol (Timin & Milinkovitch, 2023), which revealed the collagen distribution across the organism and confirmed that the axial cord is entirely surrounded by a collagenous sheath.
By improving light penetration, we visualized the very central axis of the organism, uncovering a hollow, cross-chambered central cord that had remained hidden due to autofluorescence. Morphologically, this midline structure shows a striking resemblance to notochords in chordate animals.
🔬 For the first time, we were able to image deep inside this species, from its outermost polyps to its internal axis, revealing fine details of its colonial organization and inner structures related to defense, transport, and support.
At the ELMI meeting, our poster – which received an award! – presented a high-resolution 3D imaging approach to study the gorgonian coral "Leptogorgia sarmentosa".
In June, we welcomed #ELMI2025 to Heidelberg 🔬 During the lively poster sessions, participants presented their latest research, innovations, and applications in light microscopy. Congrats to the poster prize winners: Nikolaos, Montserrat, and Krijn!
