Assembly, dynamics and remodeling of epithelial cell junctions throughout development

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Cell junctions are crucial for epithelial integrity and tissue cohesion.
• Epithelial tissues undergo significant morphogenesis during development, requiring dynamic junction remodeling.
• Understanding these remodeling processes is key to comprehending tissue development and homeostasis.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current knowledge on junctional remodeling mechanisms in epithelial cells during development.
• It focuses on detailed molecular and quantitative analyses from Drosophila models.
• Conservation of these mechanisms across metazoans is also discussed.

Key Points:

• Junctional remodeling is essential for maintaining mechanochemical barriers and tissue cohesion during epithelial morphogenesis.
• Molecular changes at cell interfaces drive tissue-scale deformations, including cell division, intercalation, invagination, ingression, and extrusion.
• Drosophila provides a powerful model for dissecting the molecular underpinnings of junction remodeling and cell topology changes.

Conclusions:

• Junctional remodeling is a fundamental process in epithelial development, ensuring tissue integrity and homeostasis.
• The mechanisms governing junction remodeling are conserved across metazoans, highlighting their evolutionary importance.
• Further research into these processes can inform tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies.