Dynamic Fgf signaling couples morphogenesis and migration in the zebrafish lateral line primordium.
2008
The collective migration of cells in the form of cohesive tissues is a
hallmark of both morphogenesis and repair. The extrinsic cues that direct
these complex migrations usually act by regulating the dynamics of a specific
subset of cells, those at the leading edge. Given that normally the function
of tissue migration is to lay down multicellular structures, such as branched
epithelial networks or sensory organs, it is surprising how little is known
about the mechanisms that organize cells behind the leading edge. Cells of the
zebrafish lateral line primordium switch from mesenchyme-like leader cells to
epithelial rosettes that develop into mechanosensory organs. Here, we show
that this transition is regulated by an Fgf signaling circuit that is active
within the migrating primordium. Point sources of Fgf ligand drive surrounding
cells towards a `non-leader9 fate by increasing their epithelial character, a
prerequisite for rosette formation. We demonstrate that the dynamic expression
of Fgf ligands determines the spatiotemporal pattern of epithelialization
underlying sensory organ formation in the lateral line. Furthermore, this work
uncovers a surprising link between internal tissue organization and collective
migration.
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