Septins cooperate with actin and microtubules to regulate epithelial morphology and control morphogenesis
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Authors
Bogorodskaya, Diana
Issue Date
2018-05
Type
Electronic thesis
Thesis
Thesis
Language
ENG
Keywords
Biology
Alternative Title
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
Full Citation
Publisher
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY