Control of Drosophila gastrulation by apical localization of adherens junctions and RhoGEF2.

TitleControl of Drosophila gastrulation by apical localization of adherens junctions and RhoGEF2.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsKölsch V, Seher T, Fernandez-Ballester GJ, Serrano L, Leptin M
JournalScience
Volume315
Issue5810
Pagination384-6
Date Published2007 Jan 19
ISSN1095-9203
KeywordsAdherens Junctions, Amino Acid Motifs, Animals, Armadillo Domain Proteins, Cell Membrane, Cell Shape, Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila Proteins, Embryo, Nonmammalian, Embryonic Development, Gastrula, Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins, Membrane Proteins, Models, Biological, rho GTP-Binding Proteins, Signal Transduction, Transcription Factors, Twist Transcription Factor
Abstract

A hallmark of epithelial invagination is the constriction of cells on their apical sides. During Drosophila gastrulation, apical constrictions under the control of the transcription factor Twist lead to the invagination of the mesoderm. Twist-controlled G protein signaling is involved in mediating the invagination but is not sufficient to account for the full activity of Twist. We identified a Twist target, the transmembrane protein T48, which acts in conjunction with G protein signaling to orchestrate shape changes. Together with G protein signaling, T48 recruits adherens junctions and the cytoskeletal regulator RhoGEF2 to the sites of apical constriction, ensuring rapid and intense changes in cell shape.

DOI10.1126/science.1134833
Alternate JournalScience
PubMed ID17234948