CGC Bibliography Paper 5115

Cell polarity and gastrulation in C. elegans.

Nance J, Priess JR

Medline:

11807031

Citation:

Development 129: 387-397 2002

Type:

ARTICLE

Genes:

ama-1 end-1 hmr-1 lit-1 mex-1 nmy-2 par-2 par-3 par-6 pha-4 pie-1 pgl-1 zuDf2

Abstract:

Gastrulation in C. elegans embryos involves formation of a blastocoel and the ingression of surface cells into the blastocoel. Mutations in the par-3 gene cause abnormal separations between embryonic cells, suggesting that the PAR-3 protein has a role in blastocoel formation. In normal development, PAR proteins localize to either the apical or basal surfaces of cells prior to blastocoel formation; we demonstrate that this localization is determined by cell contacts. Cells that ingress into the blastocoel undergo an 387 apical flattening associated with an apical concentration of non-muscle myosin. We provide evidence that ingression times are determined by genes that control cell fate, though interactions with neighboring cells can prevent ingression.