Cells distribute specific molecules called morphogens to help create patterns during development, such as the body plan - essentially deciding where each body part goes. A mechanism called 'distal pinning' makes sure this patterning process goes smoothly. It combines ways of measuring morphogen levels in specific areas and observing how they spread. Naama Barkai and colleagues have found that a gene enhancer called wntD plays a crucial role in this.

Our genetic information is stored in our DNA as genes and can be found in all cells in our body. Transcription is a process where these genes are converted into a molecule called RNA. RNA serves as a template for building proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of living organisms. Gene enhancers are small sections of DNA that can bind to specific areas of the DNA and can increase the likelihood that a particular gene will be transcribed and a particular protein to be made.