Abstract
SummaryMorphogenesis of multicellular organisms is driven by localized cell shape changes. How, and to what extent, changes in behavior in single cells or groups of cells influence neighboring cells and large-scale tissue remodeling remains an open question. Indeed, our understanding of multicellular dynamics is limited by the lack of methods allowing the modulation of cell behavior with high spatiotemporal precision. Here, we developed an optogenetic approach to achieve local modulation of cell contractility and used it to control morphogenetic movements during Drosophila embryogenesis. We show that local inhibition of apical constriction is sufficient to cause a global arrest of mesoderm invagination. By varying the spatial pattern of inhibition during invagination, we further demonstrate that coordinated contractile behavior responds to local tissue geometrical constraints. Together, these results show the efficacy of this optogenetic approach to dissect the interplay between cell-cell interaction, force transmission, and tissue geometry during complex morphogenetic processes.
Highlights
During embryonic development, tissue remodeling results from local cell shape changes, often initiated by the activation and association of non-muscle myosin II with actin filaments (Behrndt et al, 2012; Bertet et al, 2004; Mayer et al, 2010; Zallen and Wieschaus, 2004)
Morphogenesis of multicellular organisms is driven by localized cell shape changes
Our understanding of multicellular dynamics is limited by the lack of methods allowing the modulation of cell behavior with high spatiotemporal precision
Summary
Tissue remodeling results from local cell shape changes, often initiated by the activation and association of non-muscle myosin II with actin filaments (Behrndt et al, 2012; Bertet et al, 2004; Mayer et al, 2010; Zallen and Wieschaus, 2004). Traditional genetic approaches such as knockouts, knockdowns, mutations, and overexpression of specific proteins have led to the discovery of key molecular mechanisms regulating cell and tissue shape (Irvine and Wieschaus, 1994; Leptin and Roth, 1994; Pelissier et al, 2003), they do not provide efficient means to manipulate cell activity with high spatiotemporal precision. To overcome this limitation, new chemical tools have been developed (Putyrski and Schultz, 2012). Ablation of biological structures through high laser intensity elicits fast responses with high spatial precision but can lead to unwanted cytotoxic effects
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