Distinct contributions of ECM proteins to basement membrane mechanical properties in Drosophila

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

The basement membrane is a specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) that is crucial for the development of epithelial tissues and organs. In Drosophila, the mechanical properties of the basement membrane play an important role in the proper elongation of the developing egg chamber; however, the molecular mechanisms contributing to basement membrane mechanical properties are not fully understood. Here, we systematically analyze the contributions of individual ECM components towards the molecular composition and mechanical properties of the basement membrane underlying the follicle epithelium of Drosophila egg chambers. We find that the Laminin and Collagen IV networks largely persist in the absence of the other components. Moreover, we show that Perlecan and Collagen IV, but not Laminin or Nidogen, contribute greatly towards egg chamber elongation. Similarly, Perlecan and Collagen, but not Laminin or Nidogen, contribute towards the resistance of egg chambers against osmotic stress. Finally, using atomic force microscopy we show that basement membrane stiffness mainly depends on Collagen IV. Our analysis reveals how single ECM components contribute to the mechanical properties of the basement membrane controlling tissue and organ shape.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article numberdev200456
JournalDevelopment (Cambridge, England)
Volume149
Issue number10
Publication statusPublished - 15 May 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 35575071
ORCID /0000-0002-2433-916X/work/142250454

Keywords

Research priority areas of TU Dresden

DFG Classification of Subject Areas according to Review Boards

Keywords

  • Drosophila, Atomic force microscopy, Basement membrane, Collagen, Egg chamber, Laminin, Nidogen, Perlecan, Laminin/metabolism, Collagen Type IV/metabolism, Animals, Extracellular Matrix Proteins/metabolism, Drosophila/metabolism, Basement Membrane/metabolism