Epithelial morphogenesis in embryos: asymmetries, motors and brakes

Epithelial cells play a central role in many embryonic morphogenetic processes, during which they undergo highly coordinated cell shape changes. Here, we review some common principles that have recently emerged through genetic and cellular analyses performed mainly with invertebrate genetic models,...

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Published inTrends in genetics Vol. 24; no. 5; pp. 221 - 230
Main Authors Quintin, Sophie, Gally, Christelle, Labouesse, Michel
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2008
Cambridge, UK: Elsevier Trends Journals
Elsevier Science
Elsevier
Subjects
Animals
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology
Biological and medical sciences
Cell differentiation, maturation, development, hematopoiesis
Cell physiology
Embryo, Nonmammalian - cytology
Embryo, Nonmammalian - embryology
Epithelial Cells - cytology
Epithelial Cells - physiology
Epithelium - embryology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Life Sciences
Medical Education
Molecular and cellular biology
Molecular biology
Molecular Motor Proteins - physiology
Morphogenesis - physiology
Morphogenesis
Embryo
Asymmetry
Myosin
Cytoskeleton
Genetics
Review
Microtubule
Molecular motor
Epithelium
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Summary:Epithelial cells play a central role in many embryonic morphogenetic processes, during which they undergo highly coordinated cell shape changes. Here, we review some common principles that have recently emerged through genetic and cellular analyses performed mainly with invertebrate genetic models, focusing on morphogenetic processes involving epithelial sheets. All available data argue that myosin II is the main motor that induces cell shape changes during morphogenesis. We discuss the control of myosin II activity during epithelial morphogenesis, as well as the recently described involvement of microtubules in this process. Finally, we examine how forces unleashed by myosin II can be measured, how embryos use specific brakes to control molecular motors and the potential input of mechano-sensation in morphogenesis.
Bibliography:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2008.02.005
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ISSN:0168-9525
DOI:10.1016/j.tig.2008.02.005