Fibroblast Growth Factor-induced lens fiber cell elongation is driven by the stepwise activity of Rho and Rac.

ABSTRACT: The spheroidal shape of the eye lens is critical for precise light focusing onto the retina. This shape is determined by concentrically aligned, convexly elongated lens fiber cells along the anterior and posterior axis of the lens. Upon differentiation at the lens equator, the fiber cells increase in height as their apical and basal tips migrate towards the anterior and posterior poles, respectively. The forces driving this elongation and migration remain unclear. We found that membrane protrusions or lamellipodia are observed only in the maturing fibers undergoing cell curve conversion, indicating lamellipodium is not the primary driver of earlier fiber migration. We demonstrated that elevated levels of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) suppressed the extension of Rac-dependent protrusions,

SUBMITTER: Sugiyama Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10723307 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature