DRhoGEF2 Regulates Cellular Tension and Cell Pulsations in the Amnioserosa during Drosophila Dorsal Closure
Author Information
Author(s): Azevedo Dulce, Antunes Marco, Prag Soren, Ma Xiaoyan, Hacker Udo, Brodland G. Wayne, Hutson M. Shane, Solon Jerome, Jacinto Antonio
Primary Institution: Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
Hypothesis
DRhoGEF2 plays a crucial role in AS apical constriction through the regulation of myosin II subcellular localization and control of the AS cells pulsating behaviour upstream of Rho signalling.
Conclusion
DRhoGEF2 is a key regulator of apical pulsation and constriction of amnioserosal cells during Drosophila dorsal closure.
Supporting Evidence
- DRhoGEF2 is expressed in amnioserosa cells and regulates their pulsations.
- Mutants lacking DRhoGEF2 show decreased pulsation and altered cellular tension.
- Overexpression of DRhoGEF2 leads to increased myosin II levels and altered cell shape.
Takeaway
This study shows that a protein called DRhoGEF2 helps cells in fruit flies change shape and move during development, kind of like how a balloon can change size and shape when you squeeze it.
Methodology
The study used loss and gain of function approaches, laser ablation experiments, and high-speed time-lapse imaging to assess the role of DRhoGEF2 in cellular tension and pulsations.
Limitations
The analysis of DRhoGEF2 function during dorsal closure was limited by the difficulty in obtaining embryos reaching dorsal closure stages due to its earlier role during gastrulation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website