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Communication between distant epithelial cells by filopodia-like protrusions during embryonic development
Sagar1, Felicitas Pröls2, Christoph Wiegreffe3
1Institute of Anatomy II, Department of Vertebrate Embryology, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Straße 9, Cologne 50931, Germany Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Embryology, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 17, Freiburg 79104, Germany Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestraße 1, Freiburg 79104, Germany.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|January 25, 2015
Summary
Chicken embryos utilize novel filopodia-like protrusions for long-range intercellular communication between epithelial cells. These structures facilitate signaling essential for embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Long-range intercellular communication is crucial for embryonic development.
- Various signal transfer mechanisms exist, but novel pathways are continually discovered.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel type of cellular extension involved in embryonic signaling.
- To investigate the role of these protrusions in mediating communication between epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Microscopy of chicken embryo somites.
- Immunofluorescence staining for actin and tubulin.
- Rac1 inhibition experiments.
- Analysis of protein localization and trafficking.
Main Results:
- A novel filopodia-like protrusion was identified in chicken embryo somite epithelial cells.
- These protrusions are actin- and tubulin-positive and depend on Rac1.
- Evidence suggests these structures transport signaling molecules, including Wnt pathway components.
Conclusions:
- Filopodia-like protrusions mediate long-range signaling between distant epithelial cells.
- These structures play a significant role in embryonic development by facilitating intercellular communication.
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