Integrins are required for synchronous ommatidial rotation in the Drosophila eye linking planar cell polarity signalling to the extracellular matrix. Issue 8 (14th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thuveson, Maria; Gaengel, Konstantin; Collu, Giovanna M.; Chin, Mei-ling; Singh, Jaskirat; Mlodzik, Marek
• Is Part Of: Open biology. Volume 9:Issue 8(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-08-14
• Subjects: planar cell polarity -- Drosophila eye -- ommatidial rotation -- integrins -- extracellular matrix; Biology -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1098/rsob.190148
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2441

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract : Integrins mediate the anchorage between cells and their environment, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and form transmembrane links between the ECM and the cytoskeleton, a conserved feature throughout development and morphogenesis of epithelial organs. Here, we demonstrate that integrins and components of the ECM are required during the planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling-regulated cell movement of ommatidial rotation in the Drosophila eye. The loss-of-function mutations of integrins or ECM components cause defects in rotation, with mutant clusters rotating asynchronously compared to wild-type clusters. Initially, mutant clusters tend to rotate faster, and at later stages they fail to be synchronous with their neighbours, leading to aberrant rotation angles and resulting in a disorganized ommatidial arrangement in adult eyes. We further demonstrate that integrin localization changes dynamically during the rotation process. Our data suggest that core Frizzled/PCP factors, acting through RhoA and Rho kinase, regulate the function/activity of integrins and that integrins thus contribute to the complex interaction network of PCP signalling, cell adhesion and cytoskeletal elements required for a precise and synchronous 90° rotation movement.