Abstract
During organismal development, cells undergo complex changes in shape whose causal relationship to individual morphogenetic processes remains unclear. The modular nature of such processes suggests that it should be possible to isolate individual modules, determine the minimum set of requirements sufficient to drive tissue remodeling, and re-construct morphogenesis. Here we use optogenetics to reconstitute epithelial folding in embryonic Drosophila tissues that otherwise would not undergo invagination. We show that precise spatial and temporal activation of Rho signaling is sufficient to trigger apical constriction and tissue folding. Induced furrows can occur at any position along the dorsal–ventral or anterior–posterior embryo axis in response to the spatial pattern and level of optogenetic activation. Thus, epithelial folding is a direct function of the spatio-temporal organization and strength of Rho signaling that on its own is sufficient to drive tissue internalization independently of any pre-determined condition or differentiation program associated with endogenous invagination processes.
Highlights
During organismal development, cells undergo complex changes in shape whose causal relationship to individual morphogenetic processes remains unclear
We focused on epithelial folding, a conserved morphogenetic process driving internalization of tissues during animal development[18]
We test the extent to which apical constriction on its own can drive invagination, and how different contractile behaviors arise in response to different temporal and spatial patterns of optogenetic activation
Summary
Cells undergo complex changes in shape whose causal relationship to individual morphogenetic processes remains unclear. We employ an optogenetic method to synthetically reconstruct epithelial folding during early Drosophila embryogenesis In this context, “synthetic” refers to guided spatio-temporal control over the signaling pathway driving apical constriction, which is otherwise dependent upon the differentiation program of the embryo. “synthetic” refers to guided spatio-temporal control over the signaling pathway driving apical constriction, which is otherwise dependent upon the differentiation program of the embryo Using this approach, we test the extent to which apical constriction on its own can drive invagination, and how different contractile behaviors arise in response to different temporal and spatial patterns of optogenetic activation. Our results provide insights into the emergence of pulsatile contractions and impact of tissue geometry on coordinated contractile behavior
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
