β-Catenin-dependent mechanotransduction dates back to the common ancestor of Cnidaria and Bilateria.

ABSTRACT: Although the genetic regulation of cellular differentiation processes is well established, recent studies have revealed the role of mechanotransduction on a variety of biological processes, including regulation of gene expression. However, it remains unclear how universal and widespread mechanotransduction is in embryonic development of animals. Here, we investigate mechanosensitive gene expression during gastrulation of the starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, a cnidarian model organism. We show that the blastoporal marker gene brachyury is down-regulated by blocking myosin II-dependent gastrulation movements. Brachyury expression can be restored by applying external mechanical force. Using CRISPR/Cas9 and morpholino antisense technology, we also show that mech

SUBMITTER: Pukhlyakova E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6004442 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature