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Systematic analysis of RhoGAP expression and function in border cell morphology and migration
Abhinava K Mishra1,2,3, Emily G Gemmill1,2, Joseph P Campanale1,2,4
1Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|April 17, 2026
Summary
Diverse Rho GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) are essential for controlling cell shape and movement. This study identifies key RhoGAPs in Drosophila border cells, revealing their critical roles in cell migration and morphology.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Rho family GTPases regulate cell morphology and behavior.
- GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) inactivate Rho GTPases.
- A systematic analysis of GAPs in cell migration is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen for RhoGAP expression and function in migratory Drosophila border cells.
- To understand the role of negative regulation by GAPs in cell migration.
- To define the contribution of RhoGAPs to cell morphology and motility.
Main Methods:
- Screens for RhoGAP expression and function in Drosophila border cells.
- Integration of single-cell RNAseq with published datasets.
- RNAi knockdown and automated image analysis for morphology classification.
- In-depth analysis of RhoGAPp190 function.
Main Results:
- Most of the 22 RhoGAPs are expressed in border cells.
- RNAi knockdown revealed most RhoGAPs are functionally required for migration.
- RhoGAP perturbations altered border cell morphology.
- Loss of RhoGAPp190 mimicked Rho hyperactivation; gain-of-function mimicked myosin II inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Diverse RhoGAPs are crucial for spatiotemporal regulation of Rho GTPase activity.
- Multiple RhoGAPs within a single cell type control cell morphology and motility.
- Negative regulation by RhoGAPs is critical for cell migration.
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