Mesenchymal-to-epithelial transitions require tissue-specific interactions with distinct laminins.

ABSTRACT: Mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) converts cells from migratory mesenchymal to polarized epithelial states. Despite its importance for both normal and pathological processes, very little is known about the regulation of MET in vivo. Here we exploit midgut morphogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster to investigate the mechanisms underlying MET. We show that down-regulation of the EMT transcription factor Serpent is required for MET, but not sufficient, as interactions with the surrounding mesoderm are also essential. We find that midgut MET relies on the secretion of specific laminins via the CopII secretory pathway from both mesoderm and midgut cells. We show that secretion of the laminin trimer containing the Wingblister α-subunit from the mesoderm is an upstream cue for midgut MET,

SUBMITTER: Pitsidianaki I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8167899 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature