PUBLICATION

Forces driving epithelial spreading in zebrafish gastrulation

Authors
Behrndt, M., Salbreux, G., Campinho, P., Hauschild, R., Oswald, F., Roensch, J., Grill, S.W., and Heisenberg, C.P.
ID
ZDB-PUB-121019-30
Date
2012
Source
Science (New York, N.Y.)   338(6104): 257-260 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Behrndt, Martin, Campinho, Pedro, Heisenberg, Carl-Philipp, Roensch, Julia
Keywords
none
MeSH Terms
  • Actomyosin/physiology*
  • Animals
  • Constriction
  • Epithelial Cells/cytology
  • Epithelial Cells/physiology*
  • Friction
  • Gastrulation*
  • Yolk Sac/cytology*
  • Zebrafish/embryology*
PubMed
23066079 Full text @ Science
Abstract

Contractile actomyosin rings drive various fundamental morphogenetic processes ranging from cytokinesis to wound healing. Actomyosin rings are generally thought to function by circumferential contraction. Here, we show that the spreading of the enveloping cell layer (EVL) over the yolk cell during zebrafish gastrulation is driven by a contractile actomyosin ring. In contrast to previous suggestions, we find that this ring functions not only by circumferential contraction but also by a flow-friction mechanism. This generates a pulling force through resistance against retrograde actomyosin flow. EVL spreading proceeds normally in situations where circumferential contraction is unproductive, indicating that the flow-friction mechanism is sufficient. Thus, actomyosin rings can function in epithelial morphogenesis through a combination of cable-constriction and flow-friction mechanisms.

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