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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:15
A Cell-based Assay to Investigate Non-muscle Myosin II Contractility via the Folded-gastrulation Signaling Pathway in Drosophila S2R+ Cells
Published on: August 19, 2018
JAK/STAT signalling in Drosophila controls cell motility during germ cell migration
Stephen Brown1, Martin P Zeidler, James E Castelli-Gair Hombría
1Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, C.1247 Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K. Stephen-Brown-3@manchester.ac.uk
Summary
The JAK/STAT pathway is crucial for primordial germ cells (PGCs) to migrate and form gonads during embryonic development. This pathway regulates PGCs
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Gonad formation involves the interaction of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and somatic gonadal mesoderm precursors (SGPs).
- Efficient migration of PGCs to SGPs is essential for proper gonad development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in PGC migration during embryonic development.
- To understand the cellular mechanisms by which PGCs migrate and maintain contact.
Main Methods:
- Utilized loss-of-function studies to examine the effects of JAK/STAT pathway disruption on PGC migration.
- Observed PGC behavior and filopodia formation using microscopy during embryonic development.
Main Results:
- Disruption of the JAK/STAT pathway led to frequent mislocalization of germ cells.
- Wild-type PGCs form filopodia during migration, which are essential for their movement and intercellular contact.
- JAK/STAT pathway activation is required for filopodia formation, and its ectopic activation enhances filopodia formation.
Conclusions:
- The canonical JAK/STAT signaling cascade is indispensable for efficient PGC migration towards SGPs.
- PGCs utilize filopodia for migration and cell-cell adhesion, a process regulated by the JAK/STAT pathway.
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