Cell Biology of Developmental Patterning
 
While Developmental Biology has had much success in uncovering the regulatory hierarchies that govern pattern, there has been less success in figuring out how sheets of cells respond to organizing signals and actually make that pattern. Thus, how do signaling pathways, such as Notch, EGF-receptor, Wnt and Hedgehog, cause changes in the cytoskeletal biology of responding cells? We study two cell biological outputs of developmental signals. The first involves the dynamic remodeling of cell-cell interfaces in order to align cells within an epithelium. Such “morphogenesis” is a fundamental feature of constructing all tissues, yet it is little understood. The second involves another process fundamental to all epithelial cells: the shaping of actin-based apical protrusions. Such protrusions underlie brush border microvilli, sensory bristles or stereocilia, and constructing these protrusions properly and organizing their pattern across an epithelium is directly responsible for tissue function. Representative Publications on Developmental Patterning Walters, J. W., Dilks, S. A. and DiNardo, S. (2006) “Planar polarization of the denticle field in the Drosophila embryo: roles for Myosin II (Zipper) and Fringe”. in press, Developmental Biology (with cover). Walters, J. w., Muñoz, C. X., Paaby, A. B. and S. DiNardo. (2005) “Serrate-Notch signaling defines the scope of the initial denticle field by modulating EGFR activation”. Developmental Biology 286, 415-426.