Friday 21st October — at 12.00 pm — Salle Monod (Bât.66)
Invited Speaker : Erez Raz
From Institute of Cell Biology – ZMBE – Münster, Germany
Hosted by Philippe Herbomel
Abstract : The positioning of progenitor cells constitutes an essential, yet poorly understood step in organ development. Using primordial germ cells as an in vivo model, we present the developmental mechanisms facilitating the maintenance of motile progenitor cells at the site of organogenesis. We find that repulsive cues and physical barriers confine the cells to the correct bilateral positions within the embryo. The cellular mechanisms operating during those events were determined using high-resolution live imaging revealing cell polarity change upon interaction with physical barriers and establishment of compact clusters as a result of cell protrusions collapse and enhanced adhesion. These mechanisms control organ positioning and shape and are thus critical for its proper function.