Open AccessThe elmo-mbc complex and rhogap19d couple Rho family GTPases during mesenchymal-to-epithelial-like transitions
Author(s) -
Christopher P. Toret,
Pruthvi Chavadimane Shivakumar,
Pierre-François Lenne,
André Le Bivic
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.754
H-Index - 325
eISSN - 1477-9129
pISSN - 0950-1991
DOI - 10.1242/dev.157495
Subject(s) - biology , microbiology and biotechnology , gtpase , lamellipodium , actin cytoskeleton , context (archaeology) , rac1 , epithelial–mesenchymal transition , cadherin , actin , small gtpase , cytoskeleton , transition (genetics) , genetics , signal transduction , gene , cell , paleontology
Many metazoan developmental processes require cells to transition between migratory mesenchymal- and adherent epithelial-like states. These transitions require Rho GTPase-mediated actin rearrangements downstream of integrin and cadherin pathways. A regulatory toolbox of GEF and GAP proteins precisely coordinates Rho protein activities, yet defining the involvement of specific regulators within a cellular context remains a challenge due to overlapping and coupled activities. Here we demonstrate that Drosophila dorsal closure is a powerful model for Rho GTPase regulation during transitions from leading edges to cadherin contacts. During these transitions a Rac GEF elmo-mbc complex regulates both lamellipodia and Rho1-dependent, actomyosin-mediated tension at initial cadherin contacts. Moreover, the Rho GAP Rhogap19d controls Rac and Rho GTPases during the same processes and genetically regulates the elmo-mbc complex. This study presents a fresh framework to understand the inter-relationship between GEF and GAP proteins that tether Rac and Rho cycles during developmental processes.