Rotating for elongation: Fat2 whips for the race

Collective cell migration driven by filopodia-New insights from the social behavior of myotubes

Collective migration is a key process that is critical during development, as well as in physiological and pathophysiological processes including tissue repair, wound healing and cancer. Studies in genetic model organisms have made important contributions to our current understanding of the mechanisms that shape cells into different tissues during morphogenesis. Recent advances in high-resolution and live-cell-imaging techniques provided new insights into the social behavior of cells based on careful visual observations within the context of a living tissue. In this review, we will compare Drosophila testis nascent myotube migration with established in vivo model systems, elucidate similarities, new features and principles in collective cell migration.

Molecular Control of Actin Dynamics In Vivo: Insights from Drosophila

The actin cytoskeleton provides mechanical support for cells and generates forces to drive cell shape changes and cell migration in morphogenesis. Molecular understanding of actin dynamics requires a genetically traceable model system that allows interdisciplinary experimental approaches to elucidate the regulatory network of cytoskeletal proteins in vivo. Here, we will discuss some examples of how advances in Drosophila genetics and high-resolution imaging techniques contribute to the discovery of new actin functions, signaling pathways, and mechanisms of actin regulation in vivo.