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A role for the mesoderm in endodermal migration and morphogenesis in Drosophila
R Reuter1, B Grunewald, M Leptin
1Max-Planck-Institut für Entwicklungsbiologie, Tübingen, FR Germany.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|December 1, 1993
Summary
The visceral mesoderm guides migrating anterior and posterior midgut primordia in Drosophila. Mesoderm contact is crucial for endodermal cells to form a proper midgut epithelium during development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The Drosophila midgut forms from anterior and posterior primordia that migrate and fuse.
- Midgut cells transition from mesenchymal masses to an epithelial structure during development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the mesoderm in Drosophila midgut development.
- To understand how midgut primordia migrate and form an epithelium.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene expression patterns in developing Drosophila embryos.
- Examination of midgut development in mesoderm-specific mutants (twist, snail, tinman).
Main Results:
- The visceral mesoderm acts as a substrate for the migration of anterior and posterior midgut primordia.
- Mutant embryos lacking mesoderm show impaired migration and failure of midgut epithelialization.
- Contact between visceral mesoderm and endoderm is essential for epithelial formation.
Conclusions:
- The mesoderm is indispensable for both the migration and epithelialization of the developing Drosophila midgut.
- Visceral mesoderm provides migratory cues and signaling for endodermal differentiation into an epithelium.