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Collective cell contractions that generate global tissue deformations are a signature feature of animal movement and morphogenesis. However, the origin of collective contractility in animals remains unclear. While surveying the Caribbean island of Curaçao for choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, we isolated a previously undescribed species (here named Choanoeca flexa sp. nov.) that forms multicellular cup-shaped colonies. The colonies rapidly invert their curvature in response to changing light levels, which they detect through a rhodopsin–cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway. Inversion requires actomyosin-mediated apical contractility and allows alternation between feeding and swimming behavior. C. flexa thus rapidly converts sensory inputs directly into multicellular contractions. These findings may inform reconstructions of hypothesized animal ancestors that existed before the evolution of specialized sensory and contractile cells.
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The dynamics and biophysics of shape formation: Common themes in plant and animal morphogenesis
The emergence of tissue form in multicellular organisms results from the complex interplay between genetics and physics. In both plants and animals, cells must act in concert to pattern their behaviors. Our understanding of the factors sculpting multicellular form has increased dramatically in the past few decades. From this work, common themes have emerged that connect plant and animal morphogenesis, an exciting connection that solidifies our understanding of the developmental basis of multicellular life. In this Review we will discuss the themes and the underlying principles that connect plant and animal morphogenesis including the coordination of gene expression, signaling, growth, contraction, and mechanical and geometric feedback.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2222434
- PAR ID:
- 10537619
- Publisher / Repository:
- Developmental Cell
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Developmental Cell
- Volume:
- 58
- Issue:
- 24
- ISSN:
- 1534-5807
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 2850 to 2866
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2023.11.003
