JNK signaling coordinates integrin and actin functions during Drosophila embryogenesis

Van Gogh-like 2 is essential for the architectural patterning of the mammalian biliary tree

BACKGROUND & AIMS

In the developing liver, bipotent epithelial progenitor cells undergo lineage segregation to form hepatocytes, which constitute the bulk of the liver parenchyma, and biliary epithelial cells (cholangiocytes), which comprise the bile duct (a complex tubular network that is critical for normal liver function). Notch and TGFβ signalling promote the formation of a sheet of biliary epithelial cells, the ductal plate, that organises into discontinuous tubular structures. How these structures elongate and connect to form a continuous duct remains undefined. We aimed to define the mechanisms by which the ductal plate transitions from a simple sheet of epithelial cells into a complex and connected bile duct.

METHODS

By combining single-cell RNA sequencing of embryonic mouse livers with genetic tools and organoid models we functionally dissected the role of planar cell polarity in duct patterning.

RESULTS

We show that the planar cell polarity protein VANGL2 is expressed late in intrahepatic bile duct development and patterns the formation of cell-cell contacts between biliary cells. The patterning of these cell contacts regulates the normal polarisation of the actin cytoskeleton within biliary cells and loss of Vangl2 function results in the abnormal distribution of cortical actin remodelling, leading to the failure of bile duct formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Planar cell polarity is a critical step in the post-specification sculpture of the bile duct and is essential for establishing normal tissue architecture.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Like other branched tissues, such as the lung and kidney, the bile ducts use planar cell polarity signalling to coordinate cell movements; however, how these biochemical signals are linked to ductular patterning remains unclear. Here we show that the core planar cell polarity protein VANGL2 patterns how cell-cell contacts form in the mammalian bile duct and how ductular cells transmit confluent mechanical changes along the length of a duct. This work sheds light on how biological tubes are patterned across mammalian tissues (including within the liver) and will be important in how we promote ductular growth in patients where the duct is mis-patterned or poorly formed.

JNK signaling and integrins cooperate to maintain cell adhesion during epithelial fusion in Drosophila

The fusion of epithelial sheets is an essential and conserved morphogenetic event that requires the maintenance of tissue continuity. This is secured by membrane-bound or diffusible signals that instruct the epithelial cells, in a coordinated fashion, to change shapes and adhesive properties and when, how and where to move. Here we show that during Dorsal Closure (DC) in Drosophila, the Jun kinase (JNK) signaling pathway modulates integrins expression and ensures tissue endurance. An excess of JNK activity, as an outcome of a failure in the negative feedback implemented by the dual-specificity phosphatase Puckered (Puc), promotes the loss of integrins [the ß-subunit Myospheroid (Mys)] and amnioserosa detachment. Likewise, integrins signal back to the pathway to regulate the duration and strength of JNK activity. Mys is necessary for the regulation of JNK activity levels and in its absence, puc expression is downregulated and JNK activity increases.

JNK regulates ciliogenesis through the interflagellar transport complex and actin networks

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) regulates various important physiological processes. Although the JNK pathway has been under intense investigation for over 20 yr, its complexity is still perplexing, with multiple protein partners underlying the diversity of its activity. We show that JNK is associated with the basal bodies in both primary and motile cilia. Loss of JNK disrupts basal body migration and docking and leads to severe ciliogenesis defects. JNK's involvement in ciliogenesis stems from a dual role in the regulation of the actin networks of multiciliated cells (MCCs) and the establishment of the intraflagellar transport-B core complex. JNK signaling is also critical for the maintenance of the actin networks and ciliary function in mature MCCs. JNK is implicated in the development of diabetes, neurodegeneration, and liver disease, all of which have been linked to ciliary dysfunction. Our work uncovers a novel role of JNK in ciliogenesis and ciliary function that could have important implications for JNK's role in the disease.

Rab11 negatively regulates wingless preventing JNK-mediated apoptosis in Drosophila epithelium during embryonic dorsal closure

Rab11, a small Ras like GTPase marking the recycling endosomes, plays instrumental roles in Drosophila embryonic epithelial morphogenesis where an array of reports testify its importance in the maintenance of cyto-architectural as well as functional attributes of the concerned cells. Proper Rab11 functions ensure a precise regulation of developmentally active cell signaling pathways which in turn promote the expression of morphogens and other physico-chemical cues which finally forge an embryo out of a single layer of cells. Earlier reports have established that Rab11 functions are vital for fly embryonic development where amorphic mutants such as EP3017 homozygotes show a fair degree of epithelial defects along with incomplete dorsal closure. Here, we present a detailed account of the effects of Rab11 loss of function in the dorso-lateral epithelium which resulted in severe dorsal closure defects along with an elevated JNK-Dpp expression. We further observed that the dorso-lateral epithelial cells undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition as well as apoptosis in Rab11 mutants with elevated expression levels of MMP1 and Caspase-3, where Caspase-3 contributes to the Rab11 knockout phenotype contrary to the knockdown mutants or hypomorphs. Interestingly, the elevated expressions of the core JNK-Dpp signaling could be rescued with a simultaneous knockdown of wingless in the Rab11 knockout mutants suggesting a genetic interaction of Rab11 with the Wingless pathway during dorsal closure, an ideal model of epithelial wound healing.

Imaginal disk growth factors are Drosophila chitinase-like proteins with roles in morphogenesis and CO2 response

Chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) are members of the family 18 glycosyl hydrolases, which include chitinases and the enzymatically inactive CLPs. A mutation in the enzyme's catalytic site, conserved in vertebrates and invertebrates, allowed CLPs to evolve independently with functions that do not require chitinase activity. CLPs normally function during inflammatory responses, wound healing, and host defense, but when they persist at excessive levels at sites of chronic inflammation and in tissue-remodeling disorders, they correlate positively with disease progression and poor prognosis. Little is known, however, about their physiological function. Drosophila melanogaster has 6 CLPs, termed Imaginal disk growth factors (Idgfs), encoded by Idgf1, Idgf2, Idgf3, Idgf4, Idgf5, and Idgf6. In this study, we developed tools to facilitate characterization of the physiological roles of the Idgfs by deleting each of the Idgf genes using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and assessing loss-of-function phenotypes. Using null lines, we showed that loss of function for all 6 Idgf proteins significantly lowers viability and fertility. We also showed that Idgfs play roles in epithelial morphogenesis, maintaining proper epithelial architecture and cell shape, regulating E-cadherin and cortical actin, and remarkably, protecting these tissues against CO2 exposure. Defining the normal molecular mechanisms of CLPs is a key to understanding how deviations tip the balance from a physiological to a pathological state.

How two extraembryonic epithelia became one: serosa and amnion features and functions of Drosophila's amnioserosa

The conservation of gene networks that specify and differentiate distinct tissues has long been a subject of great interest to evolutionary developmental biologists, but the question of how pre-existing tissue-specific developmental trajectories merge is rarely asked. During the radiation of flies, two extraembryonic epithelia, known as serosa and amnion, evolved into one, called amnioserosa. This unique extraembryonic epithelium is found in fly species of the group Schizophora, including the genetic model organism Drosophila melanogaster, and has been studied in depth. Close relatives of this group develop a serosa and a rudimentary amnion. The scuttle fly Megaselia abdita has emerged as an excellent model organism to study this extraembryonic tissue organization. In this review, development and functions of the extraembryonic tissue complements of Drosophila and Megaselia are compared. It is concluded that the amnioserosa combines cells, genetic pathway components and functions that were previously associated either with serosa development or amnion development. The composite developmental trajectory of the amnioserosa raises the question of whether merging tissue-specific gene networks is a common evolutionary process. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.

Integrins in the Immunity of Insects: A Review

Integrins are a large group of cell-surface proteins that are classified as transmembrane proteins. Integrins are classified into different types based on sequence variations, leading to structural and functional diversity. They are broadly distributed in animals and have a wide range of biological functions such as cell-to-cell communication, intracellular cytoskeleton organization, cellular signaling, immune responses, etc. Integrins are among the most abundant cell surface proteins in insects, exhibiting their indispensability in insect physiology. Because of their critical biological involvement in physiological processes, they appear to be a novel target for designing effective pest control strategies. In the current literature review, we first discuss the discovery and expression responses of integrins against various types of pathogens. Secondly, we examine the specific biological roles of integrins in controlling microbial pathogens, such as phagocytosis, encapsulation, nodulation, immune signaling, and so on. Finally, we describe the possible uses of integrins to control agricultural insect pests.

Dissection of the Regulatory Elements of the Complex Expression Pattern of Puckered, a Dual-Specificity JNK Phosphatase

For developmental processes, we know most of the gene networks controlling specific cell responses. We still have to determine how these networks cooperate and how signals become integrated. The JNK pathway is one of the key elements modulating cellular responses during development. Yet, we still know little about how the core components of the pathway interact with additional regulators or how this network modulates cellular responses in the whole organism in homeostasis or during tissue morphogenesis. We have performed a promoter analysis, searching for potential regulatory sequences of puckered (puc) and identified different specific enhancers directing gene expression in different tissues and at different developmental times. Remarkably, some of these domains respond to the JNK activity, but not all. Altogether, these analyses show that puc expression regulation is very complex and that JNK activities participate in non-previously known processes during the development of Drosophila.

Relish plays a dynamic role in the niche to modulate Drosophila blood progenitor homeostasis in development and infection

Immune challenges demand the gearing up of basal hematopoiesis to combat infection. Little is known about how during development, this switch is achieved to take care of the insult. Here, we show that the hematopoietic niche of the larval lymph gland of Drosophila senses immune challenge and reacts to it quickly through the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Relish, a component of the immune deficiency (Imd) pathway. During development, Relish is triggered by ecdysone signaling in the hematopoietic niche to maintain the blood progenitors. Loss of Relish causes an alteration in the cytoskeletal architecture of the niche cells in a Jun Kinase-dependent manner, resulting in the trapping of Hh implicated in progenitor maintenance. Notably, during infection, downregulation of Relish in the niche tilts the maintenance program toward precocious differentiation, thereby bolstering the cellular arm of the immune response.

Drosophila models of metastasis

An important goal in the fight against cancer is to understand how tumors become invasive and metastatic. A crucial early step in metastasis is thought to be the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), the process in which epithelial cells transition into a more migratory and invasive, mesenchymal state. Since the genetic regulatory networks driving EMT in tumors derive from those used in development, analysis of EMTs in genetic model organisms such as the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, can provide great insight into cancer. In this review I highlight the many ways in which studies in the fly are shedding light on cancer metastasis. The review covers both normal developmental events in which epithelial cells become migratory, as well as induced events, whereby normal epithelial cells become metastatic due to genetic manipulations. The ability to make such precise genetic perturbations in the context of a normal, in vivo environment, complete with a working innate immune system, is making the fly increasingly important in understanding metastasis.

Centrosome Loss Triggers a Transcriptional Program To Counter Apoptosis-Induced Oxidative Stress

Centrosomes play a critical role in mitotic spindle assembly through their role in microtubule nucleation and bipolar spindle assembly. Loss of centrosomes can impair the ability of some cells to properly conduct mitotic division, leading to chromosomal instability, cell stress, and aneuploidy. Multiple aspects of the cellular response to mitotic error associated with centrosome loss appear to involve activation of JNK signaling. To further characterize the transcriptional effects of centrosome loss, we compared gene expression profiles of wild-type and acentrosomal cells from Drosophila wing imaginal discs. We found elevation of expression of JNK target genes, which we verified at the protein level. Consistent with this, the upregulated gene set showed significant enrichment for the AP-1 consensus DNA-binding sequence. We also found significant elevation in expression of genes regulating redox balance. Based on those findings, we examined oxidative stress after centrosome loss, revealing that acentrosomal wing cells have significant increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS). We then performed a candidate genetic screen and found that one of the genes upregulated in acentrosomal cells, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, plays an important role in buffering acentrosomal cells against increased ROS and helps protect those cells from cell death. Our data and other recent studies have revealed a complex network of signaling pathways, transcriptional programs, and cellular processes that epithelial cells use to respond to stressors, like mitotic errors, to help limit cell damage and maintain normal tissue development.

Requirement for and polarized localization of integrin proteins during Drosophila wound closure

Wound reepithelialization is an evolutionarily conserved process in which skin cells migrate as sheets to heal the breach and is critical to prevent infection but impaired in chronic wounds. Integrin heterodimers mediate attachment between epithelia and underlying extracellular matrix and also act in large signaling complexes. The complexity of the mammalian wound environment and evident redundancy among integrins has impeded determination of their specific contributions to reepithelialization. Taking advantage of the genetic tools and smaller number of integrins in Drosophila, we undertook a systematic in vivo analysis of integrin requirements in the reepithelialization of skin wounds in the larva. We identify αPS2-βPS and αPS3-βPS as the crucial integrin dimers and talin as the only integrin adhesion component required for reepithelialization. The integrins rapidly accumulate in a JNK-dependent manner in a few rows of cells surrounding a wound. Intriguingly, the integrins localize to the distal margin in these cells, instead of the frontal or lamellipodial distribution expected for proteins providing traction and recruit nonmuscle myosin II to the same location. These findings indicate that signaling roles of integrins may be important for epithelial polarization around wounds and lay the groundwork for using Drosophila to better understand integrin contributions to reepithelialization.

Identifying Genetic Players in Cell Sheet Morphogenesis Using a Drosophila Deficiency Screen for Genes on Chromosome 2R Involved in Dorsal Closure

Cell sheet morphogenesis characterizes key developmental transitions and homeostasis, in vertebrates and throughout phylogeny, including gastrulation, neural tube formation and wound healing. Dorsal closure, a process during Drosophila embryogenesis, has emerged as a model for cell sheet morphogenesis. ∼140 genes are currently known to affect dorsal closure and new genes are identified each year. Many of these genes were identified in screens that resulted in arrested development. Dorsal closure is remarkably robust and many questions regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in this complex biological process remain. Thus, it is important to identify all genes that contribute to the kinematics and dynamics of closure. Here, we used a set of large deletions (deficiencies), which collectively remove 98.5% of the genes on the right arm of Drosophila melanogaster’s 2^nd chromosome to identify “dorsal closure deficiencies”. Through two crosses, we unambiguously identified embryos homozygous for each deficiency and time-lapse imaged them for the duration of closure. Images were analyzed for defects in cell shapes and tissue movements. Embryos homozygous for 47 deficiencies have notable, diverse defects in closure, demonstrating that a number of discrete processes comprise closure and are susceptible to mutational disruption. Further analysis of these deficiencies will lead to the identification of at least 30 novel “dorsal closure genes”. We expect that many of these novel genes will identify links to pathways and structures already known to coordinate various aspects of closure. We also expect to identify new processes and pathways that contribute to closure.

Cell Sheet Morphogenesis: Dorsal Closure in Drosophila melanogaster as a Model System

Dorsal closure is a key process during Drosophila morphogenesis that models cell sheet movements in chordates, including neural tube closure, palate formation, and wound healing. Closure occurs midway through embryogenesis and entails circumferential elongation of lateral epidermal cell sheets that close a dorsal hole filled with amnioserosa cells. Signaling pathways regulate the function of cellular structures and processes, including Actomyosin and microtubule cytoskeletons, cell-cell/cell-matrix adhesion complexes, and endocytosis/vesicle trafficking. These orchestrate complex shape changes and movements that entail interactions between five distinct cell types. Genetic and laser perturbation studies establish that closure is robust, resilient, and the consequence of redundancy that contributes to four distinct biophysical processes: contraction of the amnioserosa, contraction of supracellular Actomyosin cables, elongation (stretching?) of the lateral epidermis, and zipping together of two converging cell sheets. What triggers closure and what the emergent properties are that give rise to its extraordinary resilience and fidelity remain key, extant questions.

Src Cooperates with Oncogenic Ras in Tumourigenesis via the JNK and PI3K Pathways in Drosophila epithelial Tissue

The Ras oncogene (Rat Sarcoma oncogene, a small GTPase) is a key driver of human cancer, however alone it is insufficient to produce malignancy, due to the induction of cell cycle arrest or senescence. In a Drosophila melanogaster genetic screen for genes that cooperate with oncogenic Ras (bearing the Ras^V12 mutation, or Ras^ACT), we identified the Drosophila Src (Sarcoma virus oncogene) family non-receptor tyrosine protein kinase genes, Src42A and Src64B, as promoting increased hyperplasia in a whole epithelial tissue context in the Drosophila eye. Moreover, overexpression of Src cooperated with Ras^ACT in epithelial cell clones to drive neoplastic tumourigenesis. We found that Src overexpression alone activated the Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) signalling pathway to promote actin cytoskeletal and cell polarity defects and drive apoptosis, whereas, in cooperation with Ras^ACT, JNK led to a loss of differentiation and an invasive phenotype. Src + Ras^ACT cooperative tumourigenesis was dependent on JNK as well as Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K) signalling, suggesting that targeting these pathways might provide novel therapeutic opportunities in cancers dependent on Src and Ras signalling.

Basal Cell-Extracellular Matrix Adhesion Regulates Force Transmission during Tissue Morphogenesis

Tissue morphogenesis requires force-generating mechanisms to organize cells into complex structures. Although many such mechanisms have been characterized, we know little about how forces are integrated across developing tissues. We provide evidence that integrin-mediated cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion modulates the transmission of apically generated tension during dorsal closure (DC) in Drosophila. Integrin-containing adhesive structures resembling focal adhesions were identified on the basal surface of the amnioserosa (AS), an extraembryonic epithelium essential for DC. Genetic modulation of integrin-mediated adhesion results in defective DC. Quantitative image analysis and laser ablation experiments reveal that basal cell-ECM adhesions provide resistance to apical cell displacements and force transmission between neighboring cells in the AS. Finally, we provide evidence for integrin-dependent force transmission to the AS substrate. Overall, we find that integrins regulate force transmission within and between cells, thereby playing an essential role in transmitting tension in developing tissues.

Signalling crosstalk at the leading edge controls tissue closure dynamics in the Drosophila embryo

Tissue morphogenesis relies on proper differentiation of morphogenetic domains, adopting specific cell behaviours. Yet, how signalling pathways interact to determine and coordinate these domains remains poorly understood. Dorsal closure (DC) of the Drosophila embryo represents a powerful model to study epithelial cell sheet sealing. In this process, JNK (JUN N-terminal Kinase) signalling controls leading edge (LE) differentiation generating local forces and cell shape changes essential for DC. The LE represents a key morphogenetic domain in which, in addition to JNK, a number of signalling pathways converges and interacts (anterior/posterior -AP- determination; segmentation genes, such as Wnt/Wingless; TGFβ/Decapentaplegic). To better characterize properties of the LE morphogenetic domain, we sought out new JNK target genes through a genomic approach: 25 were identified of which 8 are specifically expressed in the LE, similarly to decapentaplegic or puckered. Quantitative in situ gene profiling of this new set of LE genes reveals complex patterning of the LE along the AP axis, involving a three-way interplay between the JNK pathway, segmentation and HOX genes. Patterning of the LE into discrete domains appears essential for coordination of tissue sealing dynamics. Loss of anterior or posterior HOX gene function leads to strongly delayed and asymmetric DC, due to incorrect zipping in their respective functional domain. Therefore, in addition to significantly increasing the number of JNK target genes identified so far, our results reveal that the LE is a highly heterogeneous morphogenetic organizer, sculpted through crosstalk between JNK, segmental and AP signalling. This fine-tuning regulatory mechanism is essential to coordinate morphogenesis and dynamics of tissue sealing.

Drosophila dorsal closure: An orchestra of forces to zip shut the embryo

Dorsal closure, a late-embryogenesis process, consists in the sealing of an epidermal gap on the dorsal side of the Drosophila embryo. Because of its similarities with wound healing and neural tube closure in humans, it has been extensively studied in the last twenty years. The process requires the coordination of several force generating mechanisms, that together will zip shut the epidermis. Recent works have provided a precise description of the cellular behavior at the origin of these forces and proposed quantitative models of the process. In this review, we will describe the different forces acting in dorsal closure. We will present our current knowledge on the mechanisms generating and regulating these forces and report on the different quantitative mathematical models proposed so far.

piragua encodes a zinc finger protein required for development in Drosophila

We isolated and characterized embryonic lethal mutations in piragua (prg). The prg locus encodes a protein with an amino terminus Zinc Finger-Associated-Domain (ZAD) and nine C₂H₂ zinc fingers (ZF). prg mRNA and protein expression during embryogenesis is dynamic with widespread maternal contribution, and subsequent expression in epithelial precursors. About a quarter of prg mutant embryos do not develop cuticle, and from those that do a small fraction have cuticular defects. Roughly half of prg mutants die during embryogenesis. prg mutants have an extended phenocritical period encompassing embryogenesis and first instar larval stage, since the other half of prg mutants die as first or second instar larvae. During dorsal closure, time-lapse high-resolution imaging shows defects arising out of sluggishness in closure, resolving at times in failures of closure. prg is expressed in imaginal discs, and is required for imaginal development. prg was identified in imaginal tissue in a cell super competition screen, together with other genes, like flower. We find that flower mutations are also embryonic lethal with a similar phenocritical period and strong embryonic mutant phenotypes (head involution defects, primarily). The two loci interact genetically in the embryo, as they increase embryonic mortality to close to 90% with the same embryonic phenotypes (dorsal closure and head involution defects, plus lack of cuticle). Mutant prg clones generated in developing dorsal thorax and eye imaginal tissue have strong developmental defects (lack of bristles and ommatidial malformations). prg is required in several developmental morphogenetic processes.

Integrin Adhesions Suppress Syncytium Formation in the Drosophila Larval Epidermis

Integrins are critical for barrier epithelial architecture. Integrin loss in vertebrate skin leads to blistering and wound healing defects. However, how integrins and associated proteins maintain the regular morphology of epithelia is not well understood. We found that targeted knockdown of the integrin focal adhesion (FA) complex components β-integrin, PINCH, and integrin-linked kinase (ILK) caused formation of multinucleate epidermal cells within the Drosophila larval epidermis. This phenotype was specific to the integrin FA complex and not due to secondary effects on polarity or junctional structures. The multinucleate cells resembled the syncytia caused by physical wounding. Live imaging of wound-induced syncytium formation in the pupal epidermis suggested direct membrane breakdown leading to cell-cell fusion and consequent mixing of cytoplasmic contents. Activation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, which occurs upon wounding, also correlated with syncytium formation induced by PINCH knockdown. Further, ectopic JNK activation directly caused epidermal syncytium formation. No mode of syncytium formation, including that induced by wounding, genetic loss of FA proteins, or local JNK hyperactivation, involved misregulation of mitosis or apoptosis. Finally, the mechanism of epidermal syncytium formation following JNK hyperactivation and wounding appeared to be direct disassembly of FA complexes. In conclusion, the loss-of-function phenotype of integrin FA components in the larval epidermis resembles a wound. Integrin FA loss in mouse and human skin also causes a wound-like appearance. Our results reveal a novel and unexpected role for proper integrin-based adhesion in suppressing larval epidermal cell-cell fusion--a role that may be conserved in other epithelia.

acal is a long non-coding RNA in JNK signaling in epithelial shape changes during drosophila dorsal closure

Dorsal closure is an epithelial remodeling process taking place during Drosophila embryogenesis. JNK signaling coordinates dorsal closure. We identify and characterize acal as a novel negative dorsal closure regulator. acal represents a new level of JNK regulation. The acal locus codes for a conserved, long, non-coding, nuclear RNA. Long non-coding RNAs are an abundant and diverse class of gene regulators. Mutations in acal are lethal. acal mRNA expression is dynamic and is processed into a collection of 50 to 120 bp fragments. We show that acal lies downstream of raw, a pioneer protein, helping explain part of raw functions, and interacts genetically with Polycomb. acal functions in trans regulating mRNA expression of two genes involved in JNK signaling and dorsal closure: Connector of kinase to AP1 (Cka) and anterior open (aop). Cka is a conserved scaffold protein that brings together JNK and Jun, and aop is a transcription factor. Misregulation of Cka and aop can account for dorsal closure phenotypes in acal mutants.

Changes in cell shape affect many critical cellular and bodily processes, like wound healing and developmental events, and when gone awry, metastatic processes in cancer. Evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways govern regulation of these cellular changes. The Jun-N-terminal kinase pathway regulates cell stretching during wound healing and normal development. An extensively studied developmental process is embryonic dorsal closure in fruit flies, a well-established model for the regulation and manner of this cell shape changes. Here we describe and characterize a processed, long non-coding RNA locus, acal, that adds a new layer of complexity to the Jun-N-terminal kinase signaling, acting as a negative regulator of the pathway. acal modulates the expression of two key genes in the pathway: the scaffold protein Cka, and the transcription factor Aop. Together, they enable the proper level of Jun-N-terminal kinase pathway activation to occur to allow cell stretching and closure.

The Dpp/TGFβ-dependent corepressor Schnurri protects epithelial cells from JNK-induced apoptosis in drosophila embryos

Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) often mediates apoptosis in response to cellular stress. However, during normal development, JNK signaling controls a variety of live cell behaviors, such as during dorsal closure in Drosophila embryos. During this process, the latent proapoptotic activity of JNK becomes apparent following Dpp signaling suppression, which leads to JNK-dependent transcriptional activation of the proapoptotic gene reaper. Dpp signaling also protects cells from JNK-dependent apoptosis caused by epithelial disruption. We find that repression of reaper transcription by Dpp is mediated by Schnurri. Moreover, reporter gene analysis shows that a transcriptional regulatory module comprising AP-1 and Schnurri binding sites located upstream of reaper integrate the activities of JNK and Dpp. This arrangement allows JNK to control a migratory behavior without triggering apoptosis. Dpp plays a dual role during dorsal closure. It cooperates with JNK in stimulating cell migration and also prevents JNK from inducing apoptosis.

Innexin 3, a new gene required for dorsal closure in Drosophila embryo

BACKGROUND

Dorsal closure is a morphogenetic event that occurs during mid-embryogenesis in many insects including Drosophila, during which the ectoderm migrates on the extraembryonic amnioserosa to seal the embryo dorsally. The contribution of the ectoderm in this event has been known for a long time. However, amnioserosa tension and contractibility have recently been shown also to be instrumental to the closure. A critical pre-requisite for dorsal closure is integrity of these tissues that in part is mediated by cell-cell junctions and cell adhesion. In this regard, mutations impairing junction formation and/or adhesion lead to dorsal closure. However, no role for the gap junction proteins Innexins has so far been described.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Here, we show that Innexin 1, 2 and 3, are present in the ectoderm but also in the amnioserosa in plaques consistent with gap junctions. However, only the loss of Inx3 leads to dorsal closure defects that are completely rescued by overexpression of inx3::GFP in the whole embryo. Loss of Inx3 leads to the destabilisation of Inx1, Inx2 and DE-cadherin at the plasma membrane, suggesting that these four proteins form a complex. Accordingly, in addition to the known interaction of Inx2 with DE-cadherin, we show that Inx3 can bind to DE-cadherin. Furthermore, Inx3-GFP overexpression recruits DE-cadherin from its wildtype plasma membrane domain to typical Innexin plaques, strengthening the notion that they form a complex. Finally, we show that Inx3 stability is directly dependent on tissue tension. Taken together, we propose that Inx3 is a critical factor for dorsal closure and that it mediates the stability of Inx1, 2 and DE-cadherin by forming a complex.

The role of bioactive nanofibers in enamel regeneration mediated through integrin signals acting upon C/EBPα and c-Jun

Enamel formation involves highly orchestrated intracellular and extracellular events; following development, the tissue is unable to regenerate, making it a challenging target for tissue engineering. We previously demonstrated the ability to trigger enamel differentiation and regeneration in the embryonic mouse incisor using a self-assembling matrix that displayed the integrin-binding epitope RGDS (Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser). To further elucidate the intracellular signaling pathways responsible for this phenomenon, we explore here the coupling response of integrin receptors to the biomaterial and subsequent downstream gene expression profiles. We demonstrate that the artificial matrix activates focal adhesion kinase (FAK) to increase phosphorylation of both c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and its downstream transcription factor c-Jun (c-Jun). Inhibition of FAK blocked activation of the identified matrix-mediated pathways, while independent inhibition of JNK nearly abolished phosphorylated-c-Jun (p-c-Jun) and attenuated the pathways identified to promote enamel regeneration. Cognate binding sites in the amelogenin promoter were identified to be transcriptionally up-regulated in response to p-c-Jun. Furthermore, the artificial matrix induced gene expression as evidenced by an increased abundance of amelogenin, the main protein expressed during enamel formation, and the CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), which is the known activator of amelogenin expression. Elucidating these cues not only provides guidelines for the design of synthetic regenerative strategies and opportunities to manipulate pathways to regulate enamel regeneration, but can provide insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in tissue formation.

A versatile ΦC31 based reporter system for measuring AP-1 and Nrf2 signaling in Drosophila and in tissue culture

This paper describes the construction and characterization of a system of transcriptional reporter genes for monitoring the activity of signaling pathways and gene regulation mechanisms in intact Drosophila, dissected tissues or cultured cells. Transgenic integration of the reporters into the Drosophila germline was performed in a site-directed manner, using ΦC31 integrase. This strategy avoids variable position effects and assures low base level activity and high signal responsiveness. Defined integration sites furthermore enable the experimenter to compare the activity of different reporters in one organism. The reporter constructs have a modular design to facilitate the combination of promoter elements (synthetic transcription factor binding sites or natural regulatory sequences), reporter genes (eGFP, or DsRed.T4), and genomic integration sites. The system was used to analyze and compare the activity and signal response profiles of two stress inducible transcription factors, AP-1 and Nrf2. To complement the transgenic reporter fly lines, tissue culture assays were developed in which the same synthetic ARE and TRE elements control the expression of firefly luciferase.

Shaping the niche: lessons from the Drosophila testis and other model systems

Stem cells are fascinating, as they supply the cells that construct our adult bodies and replenish, as we age, worn out, damaged, and diseased tissues. Stem cell regulation relies on intrinsic signals but also on inputs emanating from the neighbouring niche. The Drosophila testis provides an excellent system for studying such processes. Although recent advances have uncovered several signalling, cytoskeletal and other factors affecting niche homeostasis and testis differentiation, many aspects of niche regulation and maintenance remain unsolved. In this review, we discuss aspects of niche establishment and integrity not yet fully understood and we compare it to the current knowledge in other model systems such as vertebrates and plants. We also address specific questions on stem cell maintenance and niche regulation in the Drosophila testis under the control of Hox genes. Finally, we provide insights on the striking functional conservation of homologous genes in plants and animals and their respective stem cell niches. Elucidating conserved mechanisms of stem cell control in both lineages could reveal the importance underlying this conservation and justify the evolutionary pressure to adapt homologous molecules for performing the same task.

Cell ingression and apical shape oscillations during dorsal closure in Drosophila

Programmed patterns of gene expression, cell-cell signaling, and cellular forces cause morphogenic movements during dorsal closure. We investigated the apical cell-shape changes that characterize amnioserosa cells during dorsal closure in Drosophila embryos with in vivo imaging of green-fluorescent-protein-labeled DE-cadherin. Time-lapsed, confocal images were assessed with a novel segmentation algorithm, Fourier analysis, and kinematic and dynamical modeling. We found two generic processes, reversible oscillations in apical cross-sectional area and cell ingression characterized by persistent loss of apical area. We quantified a time-dependent, spatially-averaged sum of intracellular and intercellular forces acting on each cell's apical belt of DE-cadherin. We observed that a substantial fraction of amnioserosa cells ingress near the leading edges of lateral epidermis, consistent with the view that ingression can be regulated by leading-edge cells. This is in addition to previously observed ingression processes associated with zipping and apoptosis. Although there is cell-to-cell variability in the maximum rate for decreasing apical area (0.3-9.5 μm(2)/min), the rate for completing ingression is remarkably constant (0.83 cells/min, r(2) > 0.99). We propose that this constant ingression rate contributes to the spatiotemporal regularity of mechanical stress exerted by the amnioserosa on each leading edge during closure.

Role of JNK in mammary gland development and breast cancer

cJun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling has been implicated in the developmental morphogenesis of epithelial organs. In this study, we employed a compound deletion of the murine Jnk1 and Jnk2 genes in the mammary gland to evaluate the requirement for these ubiquitously expressed genes in breast development and tumorigenesis. JNK1/2 was not required for breast epithelial cell proliferation or motility. However, JNK1/2 deficiency caused increased branching morphogenesis and defects in the clearance of lumenal epithelial cells. In the setting of breast cancer development, JNK1/2 deficiency significantly increased tumor formation. Together, these findings established that JNK signaling is required for normal mammary gland development and that it has a suppressive role in mammary tumorigenesis.

Patterned cell adhesion associated with tissue deformations during dorsal closure in Drosophila

Cell shape changes within epithelia require the regulation of adhesive molecules that maintain tissue integrity. How remodelling of cell contacts is achieved while tissue integrity is maintained remains a fundamental question in morphogenesis. Dorsal Closure is a good system to study the dynamics of DE-Cadherin during morphogenesis. It relies on concerted cell shape changes of two epithelial sheets: amnioserosa cell contraction and epidermal cell elongation. To investigate the modulation of DE-Cadherin we performed antibody uptake experiments in live embryos during Dorsal Closure. We found that some antibodies access certain epitopes of the extracellular domain of native DE-Cadherin only in the amnioserosa and epidermal cells attached to the amnioserosa, which has never been observed in fixed DE-Cadherin in Drosophila embryos. These differences correlate with the different cell behaviour of these regions and therefore we suggest that DE-Cadherin exists in different forms that confer different adhesive strengths. We propose this to be a widespread mechanism for the differential modulation of adhesion during morphogenesis.

Drosophila cancer models

Cancer is driven by complex genetic and cellular mechanisms. Recently, the Drosophila community has become increasingly interested in exploring cancer issues. The Drosophila field has made seminal contributions to many of the mechanisms that are fundamental to the cancer process; several of these mechanisms have already been validated in vertebrates. Less well known are the Drosophila field's early direct contributions to the cancer field: some of the earliest tumor suppressors were identified in flies. In this review, we identify major contributions that Drosophila studies have made toward dissecting the pathways and mechanisms underlying tumor progression. We also highlight areas, such as drug discovery, where we expect Drosophila studies to make a major scientific impact in the future.

Drosophila as a model of wound healing and tissue regeneration in vertebrates

Understanding the molecular basis of wound healing and regeneration in vertebrates is one of the main challenges in biology and medicine. This understanding will lead to medical advances allowing accelerated tissue repair after wounding, rebuilding new tissues/organs and restoring homeostasis. Drosophila has emerged as a valuable model for studying these processes because the genetic networks and cytoskeletal machinery involved in epithelial movements occurring during embryonic dorsal closure, larval imaginal disc fusion/regeneration, and epithelial repair are similar to those acting during wound healing and regeneration in vertebrates. Recent studies have also focused on the use of Drosophila adult stem cells to maintain tissue homeostasis. Here, we review how Drosophila has contributed to our understanding of these processes, primarily through live-imaging and genetic tools that are impractical in mammals. Furthermore, we highlight future research areas where this insect may provide novel insights and potential therapeutic strategies for wound healing and regeneration.

Dissecting the PCP pathway: one or more pathways?: Does a separate Wnt-Fz-Rho pathway drive morphogenesis?

Planar cell polarity (PCP), the alignment of cells within 2D tissue planes, involves a set of core molecular regulators highly conserved between animals and cell types. These include the transmembrane proteins Frizzled (Fz) and VanGogh and the cytoplasmic regulators Dishevelled (Dsh) and Prickle. It is widely accepted that this core forms part of a 'PCP pathway' for signal transduction, which can affect cell morphology through activation of an evolutionary ancient regulatory module involving Rho family GTPases and Myosin II, and/or the JNK kinase cascade. We have re-examined the evidence for interactions between the proposed PCP pathway components, and question the placing of the cell morphology regulators in the same pathway as the PCP core. While Fz and Dsh are clearly involved in both PCP and Rho-based cell morphology regulation, available evidence cannot currently discriminate whether these processes are linked mechanistically by a shared Fz/Dsh population, or pass by two distinct pathways.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase is largely involved in the regulation of tricellular tight junctions via tricellulin in human pancreatic duct epithelial cells

Tricellulin (TRIC) is a tight junction protein at tricellular contacts where three epithelial cells meet, and it is required for the maintenance of the epithelial barrier. To investigate whether TRIC is regulated via a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, human pancreatic HPAC cells, highly expressed at tricellular contacts, were exposed to various stimuli such as the JNK activators anisomycin and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-1α. TRIC expression and the barrier function were moderated by treatment with the JNK activator anisomycin, and suppressed not only by inhibitors of JNK and PKC but also by siRNAs of TRIC. TRIC expression was induced by treatment with the PKC activator TPA and proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-1α, whereas the changes were inhibited by a JNK inhibitor. Furthermore, in normal human pancreatic duct epithelial cells using hTERT-transfected primary cultured cells, the responses of TRIC expression to the various stimuli were similar to those in HPAC cells. TRIC expression in tricellular tight junctions is strongly regulated together with the barrier function via the JNK transduction pathway. These findings suggest that JNK may be involved in the regulation of tricellular tight junctions including TRIC expression and the barrier function during normal remodeling of epithelial cells, and prevent disruption of the epithelial barrier in inflammation and other disorders in pancreatic duct epithelial cells.

Regulation of mixed-lineage kinase activation in JNK-dependent morphogenesis

Normal cells respond appropriately to various signals, while sustaining proper developmental programs and tissue homeostasis. Inappropriate signal reception, response or attenuation, can upset the normal balance of signaling within cells, leading to dysfunction or tissue malformation. To understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate protein-kinase-based signaling in the context of tissue morphogenesis, we analyzed the domain requirements of Drosophila Slpr, a mixed-lineage kinase (MLK), for Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling. The N-terminal half of Slpr is involved in regulated signaling whereas the C-terminal half promotes cortical protein localization. The SH3 domain negatively regulates Slpr activity consistent with autoinhibition via a conserved proline motif. Also, like many kinases, conserved residues in the activation segment of the catalytic domain regulate Slpr. Threonine 295, in particular, is essential for function. Slpr activation requires dual input from the MAP4K Misshapen (Msn), through its C-terminal regulatory domain, and the GTPase Rac, which both bind to the LZ-CRIB region of Slpr in vitro. Although Rac is sufficient to activate JNK signaling, our results indicate that there are Slpr-independent functions for Rac in dorsal closure. Finally, expression of various Slpr constructs alone or with upstream activators reveals a wide-ranging response at the cell and tissue level.

The Drosophila serine protease homologue Scarface regulates JNK signalling in a negative-feedback loop during epithelial morphogenesis

In Drosophila melanogaster, dorsal closure is a model of tissue morphogenesis leading to the dorsal migration and sealing of the embryonic ectoderm. The activation of the JNK signal transduction pathway, specifically in the leading edge cells, is essential to this process. In a genome-wide microarray screen, we identified new JNK target genes during dorsal closure. One of them is the gene scarface (scaf), which belongs to the large family of trypsin-like serine proteases. Some proteins of this family, like Scaf, bear an inactive catalytic site, representing a subgroup of serine protease homologues (SPH) whose functions are poorly understood. Here, we show that scaf is a general transcriptional target of the JNK pathway coding for a secreted SPH. scaf loss-of-function induces defects in JNK-controlled morphogenetic events such as embryonic dorsal closure and adult male terminalia rotation. Live imaging of the latter process reveals that, like for dorsal closure, JNK directs the dorsal fusion of two epithelial layers in the pupal genital disc. Genetic data show that scaf loss-of-function mimics JNK over-activity. Moreover, scaf ectopic expression aggravates the effect of the JNK negative regulator puc on male genitalia rotation. We finally demonstrate that scaf acts as an antagonist by negatively regulating JNK activity. Overall, our results identify the SPH-encoding gene scaf as a new transcriptional target of JNK signalling and reveal the first secreted regulator of the JNK pathway acting in a negative-feedback loop during epithelial morphogenesis.

The leading edge during dorsal closure as a model for epithelial plasticity: Pak is required for recruitment of the Scribble complex and septate junction formation

Dorsal closure (DC) of the Drosophila embryo is a model for the study of wound healing and developmental epithelial fusions, and involves the sealing of a hole in the epidermis through the migration of the epidermal flanks over the tissue occupying the hole, the amnioserosa. During DC, the cells at the edge of the migrating epidermis extend Rac- and Cdc42-dependent actin-based lamellipodia and filopodia from their leading edge (LE), which exhibits a breakdown in apicobasal polarity as adhesions are severed with the neighbouring amnioserosa cells. Studies using mammalian cells have demonstrated that Scribble (Scrib), an important determinant of apicobasal polarity that functions in a protein complex, controls polarized cell migration through recruitment of Rac, Cdc42 and the serine/threonine kinase Pak, an effector for Rac and Cdc42, to the LE. We have used DC and the follicular epithelium to study the relationship between Pak and the Scrib complex at epithelial membranes undergoing changes in apicobasal polarity and adhesion during development. We propose that, during DC, the LE membrane undergoes an epithelial-to-mesenchymal-like transition to initiate epithelial sheet migration, followed by a mesenchymal-to-epithelial-like transition as the epithelial sheets meet up and restore cell-cell adhesion. This latter event requires integrin-localized Pak, which recruits the Scrib complex in septate junction formation. We conclude that there are bidirectional interactions between Pak and the Scrib complex modulating epithelial plasticity. Scrib can recruit Pak to the LE for polarized cell migration but, as migratory cells meet up, Pak can recruit the Scrib complex to restore apicobasal polarity and cell-cell adhesion.

POSH misexpression induces caspase-dependent cell death in Drosophila

POSH (Plenty of SH3 domains) is a scaffold for signaling proteins regulating cell survival. Specifically, POSH promotes assembly of a complex including Rac GTPase, mixed lineage kinase (MLK), MKK7, and Jun kinase (JNK). In Drosophila, genetic analysis implicated POSH in Tak1-dependent innate immune response, in part through regulation of JNK signaling. Homologs of the POSH signaling complex components, MLK and MKK7, are essential in Drosophila embryonic dorsal closure. Using a gain-of-function approach, we tested whether POSH plays a role in this process. Ectopic expression of POSH in the embryo causes dorsal closure defects due to apoptosis of the amnioserosa, but ectodermal JNK signaling is normal. Phenotypic consequences of POSH expression were found to be dependent on Drosophila Nc, the caspase-9 homolog, but only partially on Tak1 and not at all on Slpr and Hep. These results suggest that POSH may use different signaling complexes to promote cell death in distinct contexts.

Scarface, a secreted serine protease-like protein, regulates polarized localization of laminin A at the basement membrane of the Drosophila embryo

Cell-matrix interactions brought about by the activity of integrins and laminins maintain the polarized architecture of epithelia and mediate morphogenetic interactions between apposing tissues. Although the polarized localization of laminins at the basement membrane is a crucial step in these processes, little is known about how this polarized distribution is achieved. Here, in Drosophila, we analyse the role of the secreted serine protease-like protein Scarface in germ-band retraction and dorsal closure-morphogenetic processes that rely on the activity of integrins and laminins. We present evidence that scarface is regulated by c-Jun amino-terminal kinase and that scarface mutant embryos show defects in these morphogenetic processes. Anomalous accumulation of laminin A on the apical surface of epithelial cells was observed in these embryos before a loss of epithelial polarity was induced. We propose that Scarface has a key role in regulating the polarized localization of laminin A in this developmental context.

Pellino enhances innate immunity in Drosophila

The innate immune response is a defense mechanism against infectious agents in both vertebrates and invertebrates, and is in part mediated by the Toll pathway. Toll receptor activation upon exposure to bacteria causes stimulation of Pelle/IRAK kinase, eventually resulting in translocation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB to the nucleus. Here we show that Pellino, a highly conserved protein interacting with activated Pelle/IRAK, acts as a positive regulator of innate immunity in Drosophila.

Signal strength and signal duration define two distinct aspects of JNK-regulated axon stability

Signaling proteins often control multiple aspects of cell morphogenesis. Yet the mechanisms that govern their pleiotropic behavior are often unclear. Here we show activity levels and timing mechanisms determine distinct aspects of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway dependent axonal morphogenesis in Drosophila mushroom body (MB) neurons. In the complete absence of Drosophila JNK (Basket), MB axons fail to stabilize, leading to their subsequent degeneration. However, with a partial loss of Basket (Bsk), or of one of the upstream JNK kinases, Hemipterous or Mkk4, these axons overextend. This suggests that Bsk activity prevents axons from destabilizing, resulting in degeneration and overextension beyond their terminal targets. These distinct phenotypes require different threshold activities involving the convergent action of two distinct JNK kinases. We show that sustained Bsk signals are essential throughout development and act additively but are dispensable at adulthood. We also suggest that graded Bsk inputs are translated into AP-1 transcriptional outputs consisting of Fos and Jun proteins.

Drosophila morphogenesis: tissue force laws and the modeling of dorsal closure

Dorsal closure, a stage of Drosophila development, is a model system for cell sheet morphogenesis and wound healing. During closure, two flanks of epidermal tissue progressively advance to reduce the area of the eye-shaped opening in the dorsal surface, which contains amnioserosa tissue. To simulate the time evolution of the overall shape of the dorsal opening, we developed a mathematical model, in which contractility and elasticity are manifest in model force-producing elements that satisfy force-velocity relationships similar to muscle. The action of the elements is consistent with the force-producing behavior of actin and myosin in cells. The parameters that characterize the simulated embryos were optimized by reference to experimental observations on wild-type embryos and, to a lesser extent, on embryos whose amnioserosa was removed by laser surgery and on myospheroid mutant embryos. Simulations failed to reproduce the amnioserosa-removal protocol in either the elastic or the contractile limit, indicating that both elastic and contractile dynamics are essential components of the biological force-producing elements. We found it was necessary to actively upregulate forces to recapitulate both the double and single-canthus nick protocols, which did not participate in the optimization of parameters, suggesting the existence of additional key feedback mechanisms.

Genetic screen in Drosophila melanogaster uncovers a novel set of genes required for embryonic epithelial repair

The wound healing response is an essential mechanism to maintain the integrity of epithelia and protect all organisms from the surrounding milieu. In the "purse-string" mechanism of wound closure, an injured epithelial sheet cinches its hole closed via an intercellular contractile actomyosin cable. This process is conserved across species and utilized by both embryonic as well as adult tissues, but remains poorly understood at the cellular level. In an effort to identify new players involved in purse-string wound closure we developed a wounding strategy suitable for screening large numbers of Drosophila embryos. Using this methodology, we observe wound healing defects in Jun-related antigen (encoding DJUN) and scab (encoding Drosophila alphaPS3 integrin) mutants and performed a forward genetics screen on the basis of insertional mutagenesis by transposons that led to the identification of 30 lethal insertional mutants with defects in embryonic epithelia repair. One of the mutants identified is an insertion in the karst locus, which encodes Drosophila beta(Heavy)-spectrin. We show beta(Heavy)-spectrin (beta(H)) localization to the wound edges where it presumably exerts an essential function to bring the wound to normal closure.

Apical constriction: a cell shape change that can drive morphogenesis

Biologists have long recognized that dramatic bending of a cell sheet may be driven by even modest shrinking of the apical sides of cells. Cell shape changes and tissue movements like these are at the core of many of the morphogenetic movements that shape animal form during development, driving processes such as gastrulation, tube formation, and neurulation. The mechanisms of such cell shape changes must integrate developmental patterning information in order to spatially and temporally control force production-issues that touch on fundamental aspects of both cell and developmental biology and on birth defects research. How does developmental patterning regulate force-producing mechanisms, and what roles do such mechanisms play in development? Work on apical constriction from multiple systems including Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans, sea urchin, Xenopus, chick, and mouse has begun to illuminate these issues. Here, we review this effort to explore the diversity of mechanisms of apical constriction, the diversity of roles that apical constriction plays in development, and the common themes that emerge from comparing systems.

Pulsed forces timed by a ratchet-like mechanism drive directed tissue movement during dorsal closure

Dorsal closure is a tissue-modeling process in the developing Drosophila embryo during which an epidermal opening is closed. It begins with the appearance of a supracellular actin cable that surrounds the opening and provides a contractile force. Amnioserosa cells that fill the opening produce an additional critical force pulling on the surrounding epidermal tissue. We show that this force is not gradual but pulsed and occurs long before dorsal closure starts. Quantitative analysis, combined with laser cutting experiments and simulations, reveals that tension-based dynamics and cell coupling control the force pulses. These constitutively pull the surrounding epidermal tissue dorsally, but the displacement is initially transient. It is translated into dorsal-ward movement only with the help of the actin cable, which acts like a ratchet, counteracting ventral-ward epidermis relaxation after force pulses. Our work uncovers a sophisticated mechanism of cooperative force generation between two major forces driving morphogenesis.

Mechanical control of global cell behaviour during dorsal closure in Drosophila

Halfway through embryonic development, the epidermis of Drosophila exhibits a gap at the dorsal side covered by an extraembryonic epithelium, the amnioserosa (AS). Dorsal closure (DC) is the process whereby interactions between the two epithelia establish epidermal continuity. Although genetic and biomechanical analysis have identified the AS as a force-generating tissue, we do not know how individual cell behaviours are transformed into tissue movements. To approach this question we have applied a novel image-analysis method to measure strain rates in local domains of cells and performed a kinematic analysis of DC. Our study reveals spatial and temporal differences in the rate of apical constriction of AS cells. We find a slow phase of DC, during which apical contraction of cells at the posterior end predominates, and a subsequent fast phase, during which all the cells engage in the contraction, which correlates with the zippering process. There is a radial gradient of AS apical contraction, with marginal cells contracting earlier than more centrally located cells. We have applied this analysis to the study of mutant situations and associated a particular genotype with quantitative and reproducible changes in the rate of cell contraction and hence in the overall rate of the process. Our mutant analysis reveals the contribution of mechanical elements to the rate and pattern of DC.

Disruption of Vps4 and JNK function in Drosophila causes tumour growth

Several regulators of endocytic trafficking have recently been identified as tumour suppressors in Drosophila. These include components of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery. Disruption of subunits of ESCRT-I and –II leads to cell-autonomous endosomal accumulation of ubiquitinated receptors, loss of apicobasal polarity and epithelial integrity, and increased cell death. Here we report that disruption of the ATPase dVps4, the most downstream component of the ESCRT machinery, causes the same array of cellular phenotypes. We find that loss of epithelial integrity and increased apoptosis, but not loss of cell polarity, require the activation of JNK signalling. Abrogation of JNK signalling prevents apoptosis in dVps4 deficient cells. Indeed double deficiency in dVps4 and JNK signalling leads to the formation of neoplastic tumours. We conclude that dvps4 is a tumour suppressor in Drosophila and that JNK is central to the cell-autonomous phenotypes of ESCRT-deficient cells.

Integrin alpha chains exhibit distinct temporal and spatial localization patterns in epithelial cells of the Drosophila ovary

Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane receptors that modulate cell adhesion, migration, and signaling. Multiple integrin chains contribute to development and morphogenesis of a given tissue. Here, we analyze the expression of Drosophila integrin alpha chains in the ovarian follicular epithelium, a model for tissue morphogenesis and cell migration. We find expression throughout development of the beta chain, betaPS. Alpha chains, however, exhibit both spatial and temporal expression differences. alphaPS1 and alphaPS2 integrins are detected during early and mid-oogenesis on apical, lateral, and basal membranes with the betaPS chain, whereas alphaPS3-family integrins (alphaPS3, alphaPS4, alphaPS5) are expressed in anterior cells late in oogenesis. Surprisingly, we find that alphaPS3-family integrins are dispensable for dorsal appendage morphogenesis but play a role in the final length of the egg, suggesting redundant functions of integrins in a simple tissue. We also demonstrate roles for alphaPS3betaPS integrin in border cell migration and in stretch cells.