%0 Journal Article
%T Experimental evolution for cell biology.
%A Helsen J
%A Sherlock G
%A Dey G
%J Trends Cell Biol
%V 33
%N 11
%D 2023 Nov 13
%M 37188561
%F 21.167
%R 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.04.006
%X Evolutionary cell biology explores the origins, principles, and core functions of cellular features and regulatory networks through the lens of evolution. This emerging field relies heavily on comparative experiments and genomic analyses that focus exclusively on extant diversity and historical events, providing limited opportunities for experimental validation. In this opinion article, we explore the potential for experimental laboratory evolution to augment the evolutionary cell biology toolbox, drawing inspiration from recent studies that combine laboratory evolution with cell biological assays. Primarily focusing on approaches for single cells, we provide a generalizable template for adapting experimental evolution protocols to provide fresh insight into long-standing questions in cell biology.