IPLS Seminar: Prof. Karsten Kruse (University of Geneva)

Abstract: The precise spatial and orientational organization of cells is fundamental to the proper functioning of tissues. While biochemical cues and mechanical forces collaboratively shape this organization during development, their interplay in multi-cell-type tissues remains largely unexplored. I will discuss this interplay using the avian auditory epithelium, comprising sensory hair cells (HCs) and non-sensory supporting cells (SCs). During development, HCs establish a ten-fold gradient in apical surface area across the tissue, intercalating with SCs to form near-hexagonal order. The generation of spatial order is contingent on a precise force patterning of the apical junctions, which is governed by the phosphorylation status of Myosin. As a result, apical surface area increases, accompanied by quasi-stratification of the tissue through basal detachment of the HCs. A tissue-scale cellular flux establishes appreciable spatial order across the tissue despite the large gradient of apical surface area. Junctional force patterning could be a common mechanism underlying complex tissue organization.

Host: Zena Hadjivasiliou (zena.hadjivasiliou@ucl.ac.uk)