Molecular insights into the axon guidance molecules Sidestep and Beaten path.

The transmembrane protein Sidestep (Side) functions as a substrate-bound attractant for motor axons in . Outgrowing motor axons recognize Side Beaten path Ia (Beat) and migrate along Side-expressing tissues. Here, we report a structure-function analysis of these guidance molecules using a variety of mutant lines and transgenic constructs.

Rearrangements in the musculature correlate with jumping behaviour in legless Mediterranean fruit fly larvae Ceratitis capitata (Tephritidae).

Larvae of holometabolic insects evolved different crawling strategies depending on the presence or absence of larval legs or life style. A rather unusual mode of locomotion has independently evolved in legless larvae of several dipteran species. Maggots of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata developed an effective jumping mechanism to increase locomotion speed or to deter predators during the search for suitable pupation sites.

Dynamic monitoring of vital functions and tissue re-organization in Saturnia pavonia (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) during final metamorphosis by non-invasive MRI.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the key whole-body imaging technology for observing processes within a living object providing excellent resolution and contrast between soft tissues. In the present work, we exploited the non-destructive properties of MRI to track longitudinally the dynamic changes that take place in developing pupae of the Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia) during the last days before eclosion. While in diapause pupae, body fluid was almost homogeneously distributed over the internal compartments, as soon as wings, legs, flight muscles and the head region were fully developed, a significant redistribution of water levels occurred between thoracic and abdominal regions.

Misregulation of Sidestep Leads to Uncontrolled Wiring of the Adult Neuromuscular System and Severe Locomotion Defects.

Holometabolic organisms undergo extensive remodelling of their neuromuscular system during metamorphosis. Relatively, little is known whether or not the embryonic guidance of molecules and axonal growth mechanisms are re-activated for the innervation of a very different set of adult muscles. Here, we show that the axonal attractant Sidestep (Side) is re-expressed during metamorphosis and is indispensable for neuromuscular wiring.

Axon Guidance and Collective Cell Migration by Substrate-Derived Attractants.

Neurons have evolved specialized growth structures to reach and innervate their target cells. These growth cones express specific receptor molecules that sense environmental cues and transform them into steering decisions. Historically, various concepts of axon guidance have been developed to better understand how axons reach and identify their targets.