Optogenetic Inhibition of Rho1-Mediated Actomyosin Contractility Coupled with Measurement of Epithelial Tension in <em>Drosophila</em> Embryos

Hanqing Guo; Michael Swan; Bing He

doi:10.3791/65314

Inhibición optogenética de la contractilidad de la actomiosina mediada por Rho1 junto con la medi...

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Developmental Biology

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JoVE Journal Developmental Biology

Optogenetic Inhibition of Rho1-Mediated Actomyosin Contractility Coupled with Measurement of Epithelial Tension in Drosophila Embryos

Inhibición optogenética de la contractilidad de la actomiosina mediada por Rho1 junto con la medición de la tensión epitelial en embriones de Drosophila

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12:35 min

April 14, 2023

DOI: 10.3791/65314-v

Hanqing Guo^1,2, Michael Swan³, Bing He¹

¹Department of Biological Sciences,Dartmouth College, ²School of Life Sciences,Westlake University, ³Department of Molecular Biology,Princeton University

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Overview

This study investigates the role of actomyosin contractility in tissue morphogenesis, particularly focusing on Drosophila embryos. The research employs an optogenetic system to rapidly inhibit Rho1-mediated actomyosin contractility, allowing for the observation of immediate changes in epithelial tension.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Developmental Biology

Background

Actomyosin contractility is crucial for the formation of complex tissue structures.
Understanding the mechanical forces involved in morphogenesis is essential for developmental biology.
Conventional genetic approaches are limited in their ability to manipulate actomyosin contractility in vivo.
This study aims to provide a method for acute inactivation of actomyosin contractility.

Purpose of Study

To explore how actomyosin contractility influences epithelial folding.
To develop a rapid manipulation technique for studying tissue behavior.
To enhance understanding of the genetic processes regulating morphogenesis.

Methods Used

Optogenetic system for inactivation of Rho1-mediated contractility.
In vivo experiments using Drosophila embryos.
Measurement of epithelial tension changes post-inactivation.
Analysis of tissue behavior and properties following manipulation.

Main Results

Immediate loss of epithelial tension was observed upon actomyosin inactivation.
The optogenetic approach allowed for precise temporal control of contractility.
Findings contribute to understanding the mechanics of tissue morphogenesis.
This method can be applied to study other genetic processes in development.

Conclusions

Actomyosin contractility is a key regulator of epithelial tension and tissue structure.
The optogenetic system provides a valuable tool for developmental biology research.
Future studies can leverage this approach to further investigate morphogenetic mechanisms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is actomyosin contractility?

Actomyosin contractility refers to the contractile forces generated by the interaction of actin filaments and nonmuscle myosin II, which are crucial for tissue morphogenesis.

How does the optogenetic system work?

The optogenetic system allows for the rapid and precise inactivation of specific proteins, such as Rho1, using light to control cellular processes in real-time.

Why is Drosophila used in this study?

Drosophila embryos are a well-established model for studying developmental processes and allow for genetic manipulation and observation of tissue behavior.

What are the implications of this research?

This research enhances our understanding of the mechanical forces driving tissue morphogenesis and provides a new tool for studying genetic processes in development.

Can this method be applied to other organisms?

While this study focuses on Drosophila, the optogenetic approach may be adapted for use in other model organisms to study similar processes.

La contractilidad de la actomiosina juega un papel importante en la morfogénesis celular y tisular. Sin embargo, es difícil manipular la contractilidad de la actomiosina in vivo de forma aguda. Este protocolo describe un sistema optogenético que inhibe rápidamente la contractilidad de la actomiosina mediada por Rho1 en embriones de Drosophila , revelando la pérdida inmediata de la tensión epitelial después de la inactivación de la actomiosina in vivo.

Nuestra investigación estudia la morfogénesis tisular, la formación de estructuras tisulares tridimensionales complejas en desarrollo. Estamos interesados en los genes y las moléculas que regulan la morfogénesis y buscamos comprender los principios físicos que subyacen a la morfogénesis. Por ejemplo, cómo se generan las fuerzas mecánicas y cómo impulsan la rehabilitación de tejidos.

Las fuerzas contráctiles generadas por la actina filamentosa y la miosina II no muscular, también conocida como contractilidad de la actomiosina, es una de las fuerzas más importantes que impulsan la morfogénesis de los tejidos. Nuestra investigación actual aborda cómo la contractilidad de la actomiosina media el plegamiento de las láminas de células epiteliales de la sangre, un mecanismo de construcción de tejidos fundamental en el desarrollo. Una comprensión profunda del papel de la contractilidad de la actomiosina en el plegamiento epitelial y otros procesos morfogenéticos requiere enfoques que puedan inactivar rápidamente la actomiosina en el momento y lugar designados, y registre el impacto inmediato del comportamiento y las propiedades de los tejidos.

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