Cell interactions in the developing somite: in vitro comparisons between amputated (am/am) and normal mouse embryos

Area of Science:

• Developmental biology
• Molecular genetics
• Cell biology

Background:

• Homozygous mutant mouse embryos (amputated) display severe abnormalities in facial, axial, and limb development.
• Previous interpretations suggested abnormal cell behavior in vivo as a potential cause for these developmental defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro behavior of somite cells from the amputated mutant mouse embryo.
• To determine if the previously suggested abnormal cell behavior is intrinsic to the mutant cells.

Main Methods:

• Culturing somite cells from homozygous mutant mouse embryos in vitro.
• Analyzing cell behavior using time-lapse cinemicrography.
• Comparing in vitro cell behavior to in vivo observations.

Main Results:

• Mutant somite cells in vitro clumped together, forming extensive areas of cell contact.
• This clumping significantly affected cell mobility.
• Observed in vitro cell behavior mirrored predictions based on in vivo interpretations.

Conclusions:

• The abnormal cell behavior observed in vitro is likely intrinsic to the mutant cells and directly linked to the mutation.
• The mutation may alter the adhesive properties of the cell surface, leading to increased cell-cell contact.
• The cells' motile apparatus might also be affected by the mutation.