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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Imaging Cell Shape Change in Living Drosophila Embryos
Published on: March 30, 2011
Zona pellucida domain proteins remodel the apical compartment for localized cell shape changes
Isabelle Fernandes1, Hélène Chanut-Delalande, Pierre Ferrer
1Université de Toulouse, UPS, Centre de Biologie du Développement, F-31062, Toulouse, France.
Zona pellucida domain (ZPD) proteins are crucial for embryonic development, guiding epidermal cell shape changes during morphogenesis. These proteins organize cell membranes and extracellular matrix interactions for precise tissue remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The zona pellucida domain (ZPD) protein family is conserved but functionally undercharacterized in developmental processes.
- ZPD proteins are membrane-anchored matrix proteins with poorly understood roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functions of ZPD proteins in embryonic development using genetic approaches.
- To elucidate the specific roles of ZPD proteins in epithelial cell morphogenesis and apical organization.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis in Drosophila melanogaster.
- Observation of embryonic epidermal cell reorganization and morphogenesis.
- Analysis of ZPD protein localization and function.
Main Results:
- Eight ZPD proteins are essential for localized reorganization of embryonic epidermal cells during morphogenesis.
- Despite sequence variation, ZPD proteins perform specific, nonredundant functions in epidermal cell shape remodeling.
- ZPD proteins localize to specific apical membrane subregions, organizing membrane-extracellular matrix interactions and actin cytoskeleton.
Conclusions:
- ZPD proteins reveal functional subcompartmentalization of the apical membrane.
- These proteins play a critical role in the polarized control of epithelial cell shape during development.
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