The evolutionary and mechanical principles shaping the Drosophila embryonic ventral nerve cord.

The establishment of communication circuits requires bringing sources and targets into contact, either directly or indirectly. The Central Nervous System (CNS)'s ability to interpret the environment and generate precise responses depends on the functional efficiency of its neural network, which in turn relies on the 3D spatial organization of its constituents, mainly neurons and glia. Throughout evolution, sensory integration and motor response coordination became linked with the merging of the brain and nerve cord (NC) in the urbilaterian CNS.

"Mitotic" kinesin-5 is a dynamic brake for axonal growth.

During neuronal development, neurons undergo significant microtubule reorganization to shape axons and dendrites, establishing the framework for efficient wiring of the nervous system. Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated the key role of kinesin-1 in driving microtubule-microtubule sliding, which provides the mechanical forces necessary for early axon outgrowth and regeneration in In this study, we reveal the critical role of kinesin-5, a mitotic motor, in modulating the development of postmitotic neurons. Kinesin-5, a conserved homotetrameric motor, typically functions in mitosis by sliding antiparallel microtubules apart in the spindle.

JNK signaling and integrins cooperate to maintain cell adhesion during epithelial fusion in .

The fusion of epithelial sheets is an essential and conserved morphogenetic event that requires the maintenance of tissue continuity. This is secured by membrane-bound or diffusible signals that instruct the epithelial cells, in a coordinated fashion, to change shapes and adhesive properties and when, how and where to move. Here we show that during Dorsal Closure (DC) in the Jun kinase (JNK) signaling pathway modulates integrins expression and ensures tissue endurance.

Puckered and JNK signaling in pioneer neurons coordinates the motor activity of the Drosophila embryo.

Central nervous system organogenesis is a complex process that obeys precise architectural rules. The impact that nervous system architecture may have on its functionality remains, however, relatively unexplored. To clarify this problem, we analyze the development of the Drosophila embryonic Ventral Nerve Cord (VNC).

FGF signaling promotes spreading of fat body precursors necessary for adult adipogenesis in Drosophila.

Knowledge of adipogenetic mechanisms is essential to understand and treat conditions affecting organismal metabolism and adipose tissue health. In Drosophila, mature adipose tissue (fat body) exists in larvae and adults. In contrast to the well-known development of the larval fat body from the embryonic mesoderm, adult adipogenesis has remained mysterious.