Alignment of the cell long axis by unidirectional tension acts cooperatively with Wnt signalling to establish planar cell polarity.

Planar cell polarity (PCP) is the aligned cell polarity within a tissue plane. Mechanical signals are known to act as a global cue for PCP, yet their exact role is still unclear. In this study, we focused on PCP in the posterior neuroectoderm of Xenopus laevis and investigated how mechanical signals regulate polarity.

FRET-based tension measurement across actin-associated mechanotransductive structures using Lima1.

During embryogenesis, mechanical forces play important roles in morphogenesis and tissue differentiation. To measure these forces, we developed a new Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based tension sensor that uses the actin-associated protein, Lima1. The sensor was validated in HeLa cells where we found the FRET index decreased or increased in response to changes in the cellular environment.

regulates BMP-dependent pre-placodal ectoderm differentiation in .

The pre-placodal ectoderm (PPE) is a specialized ectodermal region which gives rise to the sensory organs and other systems. The PPE is induced from the neural plate border during neurulation, but the molecular mechanism of PPE formation is not fully understood. In this study, we examined the role of a newly identified PPE gene, , during embryogenesis.