4/4 This work was a true team effort between @amolf-nl.bsky.social, IHB Basel, and the @Hubrechtinstitute.bsky.social — led by @danielkrueger.bsky.social and Kasper Spoelstra. Huge thanks to all collaborators for making it possible.

3/4 This reveals a safeguard mechanism: epithelial cells constantly test each other’s mechanical strength. Too little (or too much) force destabilizes the barrier, linking extrusion to diseases like tufting enteropathy. Gut renewal is an active, force-regulated process.

2/4 Using live imaging, CRISPR myosin reporters, organoid villus substrates & optogenetics, we found that myosin-driven tissue tension—not compression—controls extrusion. Cells with reduced contractility are preferentially removed.

2/4 Using live imaging, CRISPR myosin reporters, organoid villus substrates & optogenetics, we found that myosin-driven tissue tension—not compression—controls extrusion. Cells with reduced contractility are preferentially removed.