Septins cooperate with actin and microtubules to regulate epithelial morphology and control morphogenesis
Authors
Bogorodskaya, Diana
ORCID
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Other Contributors
Ligon, Lee
Gilbert, Susan P.
Swank, Douglas M.
Larsen, Melinda
Gilbert, Susan P.
Swank, Douglas M.
Larsen, Melinda
Issue Date
2018-05
Keywords
Biology
Degree
PhD
Terms of Use
This electronic version is a licensed copy owned by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY. Copyright of original work retained by author.
Full Citation
Abstract
Organ development, maintenance of homeostasis, and restoration of the tissue following damage rely on the collective movement of the epithelial cells and the appropriate transitions between stable (epithelial) and migratory (mesenchymal) phenotypes. Morphogenesis and cell migration require the coordinated activities of all cytoskeletal systems, including actin, microtubules and other proteins, such as septins. Using the novel dual matrix culture system we developed, we discovered that actin, microtubule and septin networks have distinct roles during the early stages of branching morphogenesis. The interplay of these three systems is necessary for the formation, growth and maturation of the dynamic primary extensions. We also discovered that the knockout of septin 2 results in normal epithelial cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and becoming highly migratory and invasive. Our data suggest that increased actomyosin contractility and MEK-ERK signaling drive this process. Our results demonstrate a previously unknown role for septins in preserving epithelial phenotype by attenuating actomyosin tension.
Description
May 2018
School of Science
School of Science
Department
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Publisher
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Relationships
Rensselaer Theses and Dissertations Online Collection
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