EphrinB/EphB signaling controls embryonic germ layer separation by contact-induced cell detachment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The primordial organization of the metazoan body is achieved during gastrulation by the establishment of the germ layers. Adhesion differences between ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm cells could in principle be sufficient to maintain germ layer integrity and prevent intermixing. However, in organisms as diverse as fly, fish, or amphibian, the ectoderm-mesoderm boundary not only keeps these germ layers separated, but the ectoderm also serves as substratum for mesoderm migration, and the boundary must be compatible with repeated cell attachment and detachment.

Principal findings

We show that localized detachment resulting from contact-induced signals at the boundary is at the core of ectoderm-mesoderm segregation. Cells alternate between adhesion and detachment, an

SUBMITTER: Rohani N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3046958 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature