TRPM-mediated mechanoreception regulates myosin oscillation during tissue elongation
Zhixiang Dong1, Heng Wang1, Renchang Zhang2
1MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210061, China.
Current Biology : CB
|November 19, 2025
Summary
Mechanical pressure from germline growth initiates myosin II oscillations in Drosophila egg chambers. This process, mediated by the TRPM channel and calcium signaling, drives tissue elongation during oogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell biology
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- Periodic oscillation of myosin II is crucial for morphogenetic processes like tissue elongation in Drosophila oogenesis.
- The specific developmental cues initiating basal myosin oscillation in stage 9 follicle cells remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the cues that initiate basal myosin oscillation in stage 9 follicle cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying myosin oscillation and subsequent tissue elongation.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the role of mechanical pressure and the TRPM channel in Drosophila oogenesis.
- Utilized calcium imaging and genetic manipulations to assess TRPM function, calcium influx, and myosin oscillation.
- Examined the involvement of gap junctions, CaM-MLCK, and Rho1-Rok pathways.
Main Results:
- Increased mechanical pressure from germline growth acts as a cue for basal myosin oscillation.
- TRPM channels are expressed in stage 9 follicle cells and are essential for calcium influx, myosin oscillation, and tissue elongation.
- Calcium levels and gap junction-mediated calcium wave propagation are critical for myosin oscillation, regulated by CaM-MLCK and Rho1-Rok pathways.
Conclusions:
- Growth-induced mechanical pressure initiates myosin II oscillations via the mechanosensitive TRPM channel at stage 9 of oogenesis.
- Calcium signaling and gap junction communication are vital for regulating myosin oscillation and driving tissue elongation.
- This study reveals a novel mechanotransduction pathway controlling morphogenetic movements in developing egg chambers.
Keywords:
Drosophila oogenesisTRPMcalcium influxgermline tissuemechanoreceptionmorphogenesismyosin IImyosin oscillationsomatic follicle cellstissue elongationMore Related Videos
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