EGFR-dependent actomyosin patterning coordinates morphogenetic movements between tissues in Drosophila melanogaster
D Nathaniel Clarke1, Pearson W Miller2, Adam C Martin1
1Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Developmental Cell
|October 26, 2024
Summary
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling patterns adherens junctions, coordinating cell movements for Drosophila gastrulation. This mechanical feedback mechanism guides tissue folding and axis extension during embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Embryonic development relies on coordinated cell movements and shape changes.
- Understanding supracellular coordination of morphogenetic programs remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulation and function of adherens junction patterns during Drosophila gastrulation.
- To elucidate the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling in coordinating cell movements.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative imaging of adherens junction (AJ) levels in Drosophila ectoderm.
- Analysis of EGF signaling pathways and their downstream effectors.
- Investigating the impact of AJ patterns on cell movement during gastrulation.
Main Results:
- A distinct dorsal-ventral gradient of AJ intensity was observed in the ectoderm.
- EGF signaling was identified as a key regulator of this AJ pattern.
- AJ levels and junctional actomyosin were identified as downstream targets of EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling.
- The identified AJ pattern is crucial for ectoderm cell movement during mesoderm invagination and axis extension.
Conclusions:
- EGF signaling establishes a mechanical feedback mechanism through patterned adherens junctions.
- This mechanism coordinates tissue folding and convergent extension for effective gastrulation.
- The study reveals how localized signaling integrates cellular behaviors for large-scale embryonic morphogenesis.
Keywords:
Drosophila melanogasterEGFR signalingactomyosinadherens junctioncell adhesiongastrulationmorphogenesisMore Related Videos
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