The Role of Mechanically Gated Ion Channels in Dorsal Closure During Drosophila Morphogenesis

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2012

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Repository Usage Stats

455
views
441
downloads

Abstract

Physical forces play a key role in the morphogenesis of embryos. As cells and tissues change shape, grow, and migrate, they exert and respond to forces via mechanosensitive proteins and protein complexes. How the response to force is regulated is not completely understood.

Dorsal closure in Drosophila is a model system for studying cell sheet forces during morphogenesis. We demonstrate a role for mechanically gated ion channels (MGCs) in dorsal closure. Microinjection of GsMTx4 or GdCl3, inhibitors of MGCs, blocks closure in a dose-dependent manner. UV-mediated uncaging of intracellular Ca2+ causes cell contraction whereas the reduction of extra- and intracellular Ca2+ slows closure. Pharmacologically blocking MGCs leads to defects in force generation via failure of actomyosin structures during closure, and impairs the ability of tissues to regulate forces in response to laser microsurgery.

We identify three genes which encode candidate MGC subunits that play a role in dorsal closure, ripped pocket, dtrpA1, and nompC. We find that knockdown of these channels either singly or in combination leads to defects in force generation and cell shapes during closure.

Our results reveal a key role for MGCs in closure, and suggest a mechanism for the coordination of force producing cell behaviors across the embryo.

Department

Description

Provenance

Citation

Citation

Hunter, Ginger (2012). The Role of Mechanically Gated Ion Channels in Dorsal Closure During Drosophila Morphogenesis. Dissertation, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/5601.

Collections


Except where otherwise noted, student scholarship that was shared on DukeSpace after 2009 is made available to the public under a Creative Commons Attribution / Non-commercial / No derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) license. All rights in student work shared on DukeSpace before 2009 remain with the author and/or their designee, whose permission may be required for reuse.