Rho activation is apically restricted by Arhgap1 in neural crest cells and drives epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

ABSTRACT: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) are crucial for morphogenesis and carcinoma metastasis, yet mechanisms controlling the underlying cell behaviors are poorly understood. RhoGTPase signaling has been implicated in EMT; however, previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding Rho function, and its role in EMT remains poorly understood. Elucidation of precise Rho functions has been challenging because Rho signaling is highly context dependent and its activity is tightly regulated spatiotemporally within the cell. To date, few studies have examined how Rho affects cell motility in intact organisms, and the pattern of Rho activity during motile cell behaviors of EMT has not been determined in any system. Here, we image endogenous active Rho during EMT in vivo, and analyze

SUBMITTER: Clay MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3931734 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature