In Vivo Examination of the Molecular Mechanics Underlying Apical Constriction's Initiation in C. elegans Gastrulation

Abstract

One remarkable finding from research in developmental biology is that surprisingly few cellular behaviors are responsible for the wide variety of morphogenetic events common among all eukaryotes. Molecular mechanisms underlying cell shape changes during tissue restructuring can explain how morphogenesis proceeds in vivo. During apical constriction, contractile myosin movements become linked to apical junctions, resulting in junctional pulling that can change cell shape. The process by which this dynamic linkage is achieved remains unknown, though it occurs with strict developmental timing in at least two systems. Since timing and patterning information instruct enrichment of specific mRNAs in the cells that apically constrict in C. elegans, we targeted these genes in an RNAi screen, identifying candidates that have an involvement in apical constriction. Our data suggest that zyxin, an important Focal Adhesion protein, may mediate the connections between the actomyosin cortex and adherens junctions during the initiation of apical constriction.Master of Scienc