Morphogenesis
- Quantified growth of the human embryonic heart
Summary: This paper provides quantitative data on the growth of 58 structures of the human embryonic heart between weeks 4 and 8 of development.
- A modifier screen identifies regulators of cytoskeletal architecture as mediators of Shroom-dependent changes in tissue morphology
Summary: Using Drosophila as a model system, we identify F-actin and microtubules as important determinants of how cells and tissues respond to Shroom induced contractility.
- RhoGAP RGA-8 supports morphogenesis in C. elegans by polarizing epithelia
Summary: RGA-8, a protein with membrane binding and actin regulatory motifs, promotes embryonic morphogenesis by localizing active CDC-42 in developing epithelia, and controlling actin and actin motors during cell movements.
- Specificity, redundancy and dosage thresholds among gata4/5/6 genes during zebrafish cardiogenesis
Summary: Targeted mutations were generated for each of the three gata4/5/6 genes in zebrafish to define functions for individual or combinations of these related transcription factors during cardiogenesis.
- Numb regulates cell tension required for mammary duct elongation
Summary: Numb regulates cortical cell tension, which is necessary to maintain proper cell shape and packing density during mammary duct elongation.
- Basal constriction during midbrain–hindbrain boundary morphogenesis is mediated by Wnt5b and focal adhesion kinase
Summary: Focal adhesion kinase acts downstream of Wnt5b to mediate basal constriction of neuroepithelial cells during the formation of the midbrain–hindbrain boundary.
- Anomalies in the valve morphogenesis of the centric diatom alga Aulacoseira islandica caused by microtubule inhibitors
Summary: It is shown that colchicine blocks mitosis and induces the formation of specific structures, lateral valves, in the diatom Aulacoseira islandica. Paclitaxel, on the other hand, doesn't have any effect on cell division.
- Apical and basal epitheliomuscular F-actin dynamics during Hydra bud evagination
Summary: Transgenic Lifeact-GFP Hydra polyps provide a powerful system for live imaging of actin dynamics during morphogenesis and development of a simple and ancestral animal model.
- Senescence gives insights into the morphogenetic evolution of anamniotes
Summary: We report the presence of senescent cells in several transient structures in developing amphibian and teleost fish, suggesting novel mechanisms of morphogenesis that appeared early in vertebrate evolution.
- Directional cell movements downstream of Gbx2 and Otx2 control the assembly of sensory placodes
Summary: Using spatial and temporally controlled perturbations followed by live cell tracking in vivo, this paper demonstrates that directional movements downstream of Gbx2 and Otx2 are important for otic and lens placode formation.