Keratin filaments mediate the expansion of extra-embryonic membranes in the post-gastrulation mouse embryo
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ABSTRACT: Mesoderm arises at gastrulation and contributes to both the mouse embryo proper and its extra-embryonic membranes. The mesoderm cells that migrate towards the extra-embryonic region are less motile, and enriched in intermediate filaments vimentin and keratin. Two-photon live imaging of embryos bearing a keratin reporter allowed recording filament nucleation and elongation in the extra-embryonic region. Upon separation of amniotic and exocoelomic cavities, keratin 8 formed apical cables co-aligned across multiple cells in the amnion, allantois, and blood islands. A role of substrate rigidity and composition for cell behavior and keratin content was observed in mesoderm explants. Embryos lacking all keratin filaments displayed a deflated extra-embryonic cavity, a narrow thick amnion, and a short allantois. Single-cell RNA sequencing of sorted mesoderm cells and micro-dissected amnion, chorion, and allantois provided an atlas of transcriptomes with germ layer and regional information. It defined the cytoskeleton and adhesion expression profile of mesoderm-derived keratin 8-enriched cells lining the exocoelomic cavity. Those findings indicate a novel role for keratin filaments in the expansion of extra-embryonic structures, and suggest mechanisms of mesoderm adaptation to the environment.
SUBMITTER: Dr. Wallis Nahaboo
PROVIDER: S-SCDT-EMBOJ-2021-108747 | biostudies-other |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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