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Bidirectional multiciliated cell extrusion is controlled by Notch driven basal extrusion and Piezo 1 driven apical
Rosa Ventrella1,2, Sun K Kim1, Jennifer Sheridan1
1Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|January 30, 2023
Summary
Multiciliated cells (MCCs) are lost from Xenopus embryos via two distinct extrusion mechanisms: basal extrusion driven by Notch signaling and apical extrusion driven by Piezo1. This bidirectional extrusion is crucial for epithelial remodeling during development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Epithelial Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Xenopus embryos possess a complex epithelium with multiciliated cells (MCCs) that undergo significant remodeling, involving complete MCC loss during late development.
- Cell extrusion is a key mechanism for cell removal while preserving epithelial integrity, though bidirectional extrusion is often linked to disease.
Approach:
- Investigated two distinct mechanisms of MCC extrusion in Xenopus embryos: basal extrusion mediated by Notch signaling and apical extrusion mediated by Piezo1.
- Analyzed the developmental timing and regulation of these extrusion processes, noting a shift from basal to apical extrusion as development progresses.
Key Points:
- Identified age-dependent Notch signaling controlling basal extrusion, where maintaining the MCC transcriptional program confers protection against cell loss.
- Demonstrated Piezo1's role in apical extrusion, with premature activation causing early extrusion and blockade leading to MCC maintenance.
Conclusions:
- Two distinct bidirectional extrusion mechanisms (Notch-driven basal and Piezo1-mediated apical) govern MCC loss during Xenopus epithelial remodeling.
- The interplay between Notch signaling, Piezo1, and developmental timing is critical for regulating MCC removal and maintaining epithelial homeostasis.
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