RRC ID 76206
Author Katz SS, Barker TJ, Maul-Newby HM, Sparacio AP, Nguyen KCQ, Maybrun CL, Belfi A, Cohen JD, Hall DH, Sundaram MV, Frand AR.
Title A transient apical extracellular matrix relays cytoskeletal patterns to shape permanent acellular ridges on the surface of adult C. elegans.
Journal PLoS Genet
Abstract Epithelial cells secrete apical extracellular matrices to form protruding structures such as denticles, ridges, scales, or teeth. The mechanisms that shape these structures remain poorly understood. Here, we show how the actin cytoskeleton and a provisional matrix work together to sculpt acellular longitudinal alae ridges in the cuticle of adult C. elegans. Transient assembly of longitudinal actomyosin filaments in the underlying lateral epidermis accompanies deposition of the provisional matrix at the earliest stages of alae formation. Actin is required to pattern the provisional matrix into longitudinal bands that are initially offset from the pattern of longitudinal actin filaments. These bands appear ultrastructurally as alternating regions of adhesion and separation within laminated provisional matrix layers. The provisional matrix is required to establish these demarcated zones of adhesion and separation, which ultimately give rise to alae ridges and their intervening valleys, respectively. Provisional matrix proteins shape the alae ridges and valleys but are not present within the final structure. We propose a morphogenetic mechanism wherein cortical actin patterns are relayed to the laminated provisional matrix to set up distinct zones of matrix layer separation and accretion that shape a permanent and acellular matrix structure.
Volume 18(8)
Pages e1010348
Published 2022-8-1
DOI 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010348
PII PGENETICS-D-22-00379
PMID 35960773
PMC PMC9401183
MeSH Actins* / metabolism Animals Caenorhabditis elegans* / metabolism Cytoskeleton / genetics Extracellular Matrix / metabolism Morphogenesis
Resource
C.elegans tm290