172 Oral - Patterning and Morphogenesis II
Saturday April 09, 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Authors:
Uwe Töpfer ¹; Karla Yanín Guerra Santillán ^1,2,3; Elisabeth Fischer-Friedrich ^2,3; Christian Dahmann ^1,3

Affiliations:
1) Institute of Genetics, Technische Universität Dresden; 2) Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden; 3) Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden

Keywords:
w. biomechanical forces; s. extracellular matrix

The basement membrane is a specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) 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 analyzed 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. We find that the Laminin and Collagen IV networks largely persist in the absence of the other component. Moreover, we show that Perlecan and Collagen IV, but not Laminin or Nidogen, have a major contribution towards egg chamber elongation. Similarly, Perlecan and Collagen, but not Laminin or Nidogen, contribute towards the resistance of egg chambers against osmotic stress. Finally, we show using atomic force microscopy that basement membrane stiffness mainly depends on Collagen IV. Our analysis reveals how single ECM components contribute to the mechanical properties of the basement membrane controlling tissue and organ shape.