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Comparative analysis of gene expression profiles for several migrating cell types identifies cell migration
Young-Kyung Bae1, Frank Macabenta2, Heather Leigh Curtis2
1Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125, United States; Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Center for Bio-Analysis, Yuseung-gu, Gajung-ro 267, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
Mechanisms of Development
|April 22, 2017
Summary
Comparing gene expression in migrating Drosophila cells identified shared regulators. Neo, zfh1, and sn impact cell migration, suggesting extracellular matrix modification is key for cell streaming.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cell migration is crucial for tissue development and positioning.
- Understanding conserved gene regulators across different cell types is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify conserved gene regulators of cell migration by comparing gene expression profiles of distinct migrating cell types in Drosophila.
- To investigate the roles of identified genes in cell migration processes.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) to isolate caudal visceral mesoderm (CVM) cells and hemocytes (HCs).
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to profile gene expression in isolated cells.
- In situ hybridization to confirm gene expression patterns.
- RNA interference (RNAi) and live in vivo imaging to validate gene function.
Main Results:
- Comparative analysis revealed 73 commonly expressed genes between CVM cells and HCs, including the transcription factor zinc finger homeodomain-1 (zfh1).
- Limited overlap was found with Drosophila border cells, identifying neyo (neo) and singed (sn).
- Neo and zfh1 were confirmed to play cell-autonomous roles in CVM cell migration; Sn is known to affect HC migration.
- Seven genes, including extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and proteases, were shared among chick neural crest cells, CVM cells, and HCs.
Conclusions:
- Shared gene expression profiles across different migrating cell types can identify conserved regulators of cell migration.
- Neo, zfh1, and sn are identified as key regulators impacting cell migration.
- Modification of the extracellular milieu appears to be a fundamental requirement for cell streaming migratory behaviors.
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