Research groups

Gene regulation and morphogenesis

Genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating cell migration and invasion

Dr Maria Dolores (Lola) Martín Bermudo. CSIC
Principal Investigator

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Summary

The research theme in my lab focuses mainly on the molecular and genetic study of the mechanisms that regulate cell migration using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. During embryonic development there are numerous occasions where organ or tissue formation depends upon the migration of primordial cells over large distances. Each cell type follows very specific migration patterns that must be regulated temporally and spatially throughout development. This behaviour, a fascinating process in normal embryonic cells, which involves numerous intricately-coordinated and controlled decisions, becomes destructive and damaging when acquired by cancerous cells. Hence a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that transform stationary epithelial cells into migratory would not only help to comprehend more about embryogenesis, but also help to understand, treat or even prevent cancer.
The border cells (BCs) of the Drosophila ovary provide a particularly attractive system for the "in vivo" study of the mechanisms that control the different steps of migration. During oogenesis, the process of female gamete formation, BCs delaminate from the follicular epithelium (FC) and migrate between the nurse cells (NCs) until they contact the anterior membrane of the oocyte (Oo) (Fig.1). We concentrate on the analysis of the mechanisms that control one of the first steps of this migration, an epithelium to mesenchyme transition, process that precedes and induces the migration. In order to do this we analyse the role of genes that are expressed during this process, and by performing a mutagenesis screen we try to identify new genes involved.

Changes in cell shape and adhesion govern many processes during early development, which go from gastrulation to the formation of the different appendages. In our laboratory we are also interested in understanding how these changes are regulated and coordinated in vivo. In order to do this, we have chosen the morphogenesis of the Drosophila wing as our model system (Fig.2). Using a combination of genetic and molecular approaches, we are currently analysing the role that cell adhesion molecules and the extracellular matrix play in this regulation.