AdamTS proteases control basement membrane heterogeneity and organ shape in Drosophila.

The basement membrane (BM) is an extracellular matrix that plays important roles in animal development. A spatial heterogeneity in composition and structural properties of the BM provide cells with vital cues for morphogenetic processes such as cell migration or cell polarization. Here, using the Drosophila egg chamber as a model system, we show that the BM becomes heterogeneous during development, with a reduction in Collagen IV density at the posterior pole and differences in the micropattern of aligned fiber-like structures.

Stiffness Measurement of Drosophila Egg Chambers by Atomic Force Microscopy.

Drosophila egg chamber development requires cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling morphogenesis. Previous research has shown that the mechanical properties of the basement membrane contribute to tissue elongation of the egg chamber. Here, we discuss how indentation with the microindenter of an atomic force microscope can be used to determine an effective stiffness value of a Drosophila egg chamber.

Distinct contributions of ECM proteins to basement membrane mechanical properties in Drosophila.

The basement membrane is a specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) that is crucial for the development of epithelial tissues and organs. In Drosophila, the mechanical properties of the basement membrane play an important role in the proper elongation of the developing egg chamber; however, the molecular mechanisms contributing to basement membrane mechanical properties are not fully understood. Here, we systematically analyze the contributions of individual ECM components towards the molecular composition and mechanical properties of the basement membrane underlying the follicle epithelium of Drosophila egg chambers.

Optical trapping and micromanipulation with a photonic lantern-mode multiplexer.

We demonstrate a simple approach based on a photonic lantern spatial-mode multiplexer and a few-mode fiber for optical and manipulation of multiple microspheres. Selective generation of linearly polarized (LP) fiber modes provides light patterns useful for trapping one or multiple microparticles. Furthermore, rotation of the particles can be achieved by switching between degenerate LP modes, as well as through polarization rotation of the input light.