Recombinant Xenopus laevis Blood vessel epicardial substance-B (bves-b)

What is Bves/Bves-B and what is its significance in developmental biology?

Bves (Blood vessel epicardial substance), also known as Pop1a, is a unique, highly conserved integral membrane protein expressed in embryonic epithelia and striated muscle. This protein plays a critical role in epithelial morphogenesis, particularly in the regulation of cell movements essential for epithelial rearrangements during Xenopus laevis development. Bves-B represents one of the gene variants present in the Xenopus system. The significance of this protein lies in its fundamental role in early developmental processes, particularly gastrulation, which involves complex epithelial movements including epiboly and involution. Understanding Bves function contributes to our broader knowledge of morphogenetic processes during vertebrate development .

How is Bves expressed during early Xenopus development?

Xenopus laevis Bves (Xbves) RNA and protein are expressed in epithelia of the early embryo. Expression studies have detected Bves in epithelia undergoing extensive remodeling during morphogenesis. The protein is primarily localized to the lateral compartment of cell membranes in epithelial cells, with some punctate intracellular staining also observed. During early developmental stages, Xbves expression is critical for the epithelial movements that drive gastrulation. The expression pattern of Xbves suggests its importance in regulating cell-cell interactions during this critical developmental period .

What are the functional properties of Xbves in cell adhesion?

Transfection of Xbves into nonadherent mouse L cells confers cell-cell adhesion properties, demonstrating its direct role in mediating cellular adhesion. The protein traffics to points of cell-cell contact during early epithelial sheet formation in vitro. Functional studies have shown that Xbves plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining proper cell-cell interactions within embryonic epithelia. This adhesive function is essential for coordinated morphogenic movements during development. Without proper Xbves function, cells lose their ability to maintain appropriate adhesive interactions, leading to misdirected movements and developmental arrest .

How does Xbves relate to other Popdc family members?

Xbves belongs to the Popdc (Popeye domain containing) family of proteins. In mammals, there are three family members: Pop1 (Bves), Pop2, and Pop3. While these proteins share conserved structures and functions, studies in mice have shown that knockout of the Pop1 gene alone did not produce an embryonic phenotype, possibly due to functional compensation by other Pop genes. In Xenopus laevis, Xbves appears to play a non-redundant role during early development, as evidenced by the severe developmental defects observed following its depletion. The relationship between different Popdc family members highlights the importance of considering potential redundancies and compensatory mechanisms when studying these proteins .

What are the molecular mechanisms by which Xbves regulates epithelial movement during gastrulation?

Xbves regulates epithelial movement through its role in maintaining proper cell-cell adhesion and junctional integrity. Global morpholino knockdown of Xbves during early development leads to a general arrest of gastrulation characterized by the failure of epiboly, yolk plug closure, involution, and mesodermal patterning. The molecular mechanism appears to involve the regulation of tight junction integrity, as Xbves depletion results in loss of tight junction integrity and altered epithelial movement dynamics.

How does clonal inhibition of Xbves affect cell movement and fate determination?

Clonal inhibition of Xbves activity within specific blastomeres (such as the A1 blastomere) and their derivatives completely randomizes the movement of progeny cells within otherwise normally differentiating embryos. This targeted approach reveals that Xbves-depleted cells lose their normal patterns of movement during and after gastrulation and disperse randomly throughout the embryo.

In contrast to control morpholino-injected cells that faithfully differentiate into predicted structures with minimal scatter, Xbves morpholino-injected blastomere progeny show inconsistent distribution patterns throughout the embryo. These cells are often dispersed without concentration in any particular structure and typically remain in surface structures such as the epidermis and adjacent connective tissue rather than incorporating into deeper structures like the brain, spinal cord, and digestive system.

Importantly, these randomly distributed cells remain viable, indicating that Xbves inactivation affects cell movement and positioning rather than cell survival. This finding demonstrates that Xbves plays a crucial role in the regulated movement and eventual fate determination of cells during embryonic development .

What experimental evidence exists for direct protein interactions with Xbves during epithelial morphogenesis?

While the search results don't provide comprehensive information about direct protein interactions with Xbves, the functional data suggest that Xbves likely interacts with components of cell adhesion complexes and junctional proteins. The localization of Xbves to points of cell-cell contact during epithelial sheet formation and its role in conferring adhesive properties suggest potential interactions with cadherins, tight junction proteins, or other adhesion molecules.

The effects of Xbves depletion on convergence/extension movements and tight junction integrity further support its interaction with proteins involved in these processes. Future research directions should include proteomic analyses to identify direct binding partners of Xbves in Xenopus laevis embryonic epithelia. Such studies would elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Xbves regulates epithelial morphogenesis and provide insights into potential signaling pathways involved in this regulation .

What are the optimal techniques for studying Xbves expression and function in Xenopus embryos?

Several complementary techniques have proven effective for studying Xbves expression and function in Xenopus embryos:

RNA Expression Analysis:

• In situ hybridization using multiple Xbves probes (bp 70-670, 870-1210, and full-length 1-1738)

• RT-PCR for quantitative analysis of expression levels

Protein Detection:

• Immunofluorescence using Xbves-specific antibodies

• Solid-state ELISA for quantitative protein analysis

• Western blotting for protein expression analysis

Functional Studies:

• Morpholino oligonucleotide injection for targeted gene knockdown

• Global inhibition: injection into two-cell embryos

• Clonal inhibition: injection into specific blastomeres (e.g., A1 blastomere)

• Cell lineage tracing using β-galactosidase (lacZ) co-injection

• Animal cap assays with Activin A treatment to assess convergence/extension movements

• Cell adhesion assays using transfected cell lines (e.g., L cells)

Phenotypic Analysis:

• Morphological examination of developmental defects

• Histological sectioning to assess tissue architecture

• Immunostaining for tissue-specific markers

• Analysis of cell distribution patterns in morpholino-injected embryos

These methodologies provide a comprehensive approach to understanding both the expression patterns and functional roles of Xbves during Xenopus development .

How can researchers generate and validate specific antibodies against Xenopus Bves?

Generating specific antibodies against Xenopus Bves requires careful design and validation:

• Peptide Selection: Choose unique peptide sequences specific to Xenopus Bves that are not conserved in related family members. The search results indicate successful antibody generation using peptides corresponding to specific regions of Bves.

• Antibody Production Options:

  • Polyclonal antibodies: Generate in rabbits using synthetic peptides conjugated to carrier proteins

  • Monoclonal antibodies: Develop through hybridoma technology using standard methodology as described in search result

• Validation Protocol:

  • Initial screening using ELISA against the original peptide

  • Secondary immunofluorescence screening against cells transfected with Bves expression constructs

  • Immunoblotting against GST-fused Bves and related proteins (e.g., Popdc2, Popdc3) to confirm specificity

  • Cross-reactivity testing with other Popdc family members to ensure specificity

  • Testing on known Bves-expressing cell lines and tissues

  • Comparison of staining patterns with previously validated antibodies

• Application-Specific Validation:

  • For immunohistochemistry: Test on tissue sections with known Bves expression patterns

  • For Western blotting: Confirm specific band at expected molecular weight

  • For immunoprecipitation: Verify pull-down of Bves protein

Researchers should note that different antibodies may yield different results depending on the epitope recognized and the specific application. The development of multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes can provide more comprehensive analysis of Bves expression and localization .

What is the recommended protocol for Xenopus embryo microinjection to study Bves function?

Xenopus Embryo Microinjection Protocol:

• Embryo Collection and Preparation:

  • Harvest Xenopus laevis eggs using standard methods

  • Fertilize in vitro and remove jelly coats at appropriate time points

  • Maintain embryos in appropriate medium (e.g., Steinberg's solution with 0.01% BSA)

• Morpholino Design:

  • Design morpholinos specific to Xbves mRNA to block translation

  • Include control morpholinos (standard control or mismatch sequences)

• Injection Preparation:

  • For global inhibition: Prepare to inject both cells at two-cell stage

  • For clonal analysis: Prepare to inject specific blastomeres (e.g., A1 blastomere)

  • For lineage tracing: Include lacZ mRNA (nuclear localized) with morpholinos

  • Calibrate injection volume (typically 5-10 nL)

• Microinjection Procedure:

  • Position embryos in injection dishes with appropriate medium

  • Inject morpholinos (with or without lineage tracers) using calibrated microinjector

  • For global studies: Inject 10-20 ng morpholino per embryo

  • For clonal studies: Inject lower doses (5-10 ng) into specific blastomeres

• Post-injection Care:

  • Transfer injected embryos to fresh medium

  • Maintain at appropriate temperature (typically 18-22°C)

  • Monitor for developmental progression

  • Process embryos at desired developmental stages

• Analysis:

  • For global effects: Assess gastrulation defects and developmental arrest

  • For clonal effects: Stain for lineage tracer (e.g., β-galactosidase) and analyze cell distribution

  • Perform histological sectioning to assess cell positions within the embryo

  • Quantify results using appropriate statistical methods

This protocol allows for both global and clonal analysis of Bves function in developing Xenopus embryos, providing insights into its role in epithelial morphogenesis and cell movement during development .

How should researchers interpret contradictory results from different experimental approaches when studying Xbves?

When encountering contradictory results from different experimental approaches studying Xbves, researchers should consider the following analytical framework:

• Methodological Differences:

  • The search results note that analyses of Bves expression using in situ hybridization techniques sometimes differ from results obtained using immunochemical methods. These differences might reflect methodological sensitivities rather than actual biological differences.

  • Consider sensitivity thresholds of each technique: in situ hybridization detects mRNA while immunohistochemistry detects protein, which may not correlate perfectly due to post-transcriptional regulation.

• Specificity Considerations:

  • Evaluate antibody specificity and potential cross-reactivity with related proteins

  • Assess probe specificity for in situ hybridization

  • Consider the possibility of detecting different isoforms or family members

• Developmental Timing:

  • Analyze whether contradictory results might reflect differences in developmental stages examined

  • Temporal changes in expression patterns might explain apparent contradictions

• Cellular Resolution:

  • Higher-resolution techniques might detect expression in specific cell populations missed by lower-resolution methods

  • Consider whether contradictions arise from differences in cellular resolution

• Functional vs. Expression Data:

  • Expression doesn't always correlate with function; protein may be present but inactive

  • Functional assays (e.g., morpholino knockdown) might reveal roles not predicted by expression patterns

• Reconciliation Strategies:

  • Utilize multiple independent techniques to confirm findings

  • Perform detailed time-course analyses to capture dynamic expression changes

  • Use clonal analysis to trace cell lineages and protein function in specific cells

  • Employ newer techniques with higher sensitivity and specificity

When encountering contradictions between in situ hybridization and immunochemical data specifically for Bves, researchers might consider analyzing expression in clonal cell lines as described in search result , which allows examination of Bves expression in a defined cell population .

What is the significance of the accelerated convergence/extension phenotype in Xbves-depleted animal caps?

The accelerated convergence/extension phenotype observed in Xbves-depleted animal caps represents an important and seemingly paradoxical finding that provides insight into Bves function. This phenomenon has several significant implications:

• Deregulation of Adhesive Dynamics:

  • The accelerated movement observed after Xbves depletion suggests that Xbves normally functions to regulate and constrain cell movement, ensuring coordinated tissue rearrangements.

  • This finding indicates that proper adhesion is not simply permissive for movement but actively modulates the rate and coordination of cell movements.

• Junctional Integrity Effects:

  • As noted in the search results, Xbves depletion results in loss of tight junction integrity, which initially accelerates epithelial movement in wound-healing assays.

  • The animal cap extension phenotype likely reflects this same biological phenomenon in a developmental context.

• Distinction Between Speed and Coordination:

  • The accelerated but presumably less coordinated movement demonstrates that the rate of cell movement and the coordination of movement are separable processes.

  • Xbves appears crucial for the coordination aspect rather than simply enabling movement.

• Response to Morphogenic Signals:

  • The data suggest that Xbves-depleted cells remain responsive to morphogenic signals like Activin-A but translate these signals into inappropriate movement dynamics.

  • This indicates Xbves functions downstream of signal reception but upstream of cytoskeletal rearrangements that drive movement.

• Predictive Value:

  • This phenotype predicted the subsequent finding that Xbves-depleted cells move in an unregulated manner during normal development, as revealed by clonal analysis.

  • The animal cap assay thus serves as a valuable predictive model for in vivo cell behaviors.

The apparent contradiction between global developmental arrest and accelerated movement in specific contexts reveals the complex role of Xbves in coordinating cell movements during morphogenesis. Rather than simply enabling movement, Xbves appears to ensure that cell movements occur at appropriate rates and in coordinated patterns essential for normal development .

How can researchers quantitatively analyze cell movement patterns in Xbves-depleted embryos?

Researchers can employ several quantitative approaches to analyze cell movement patterns in Xbves-depleted embryos:

1. Spatial Distribution Analysis:

• Sectioning of embryos at different developmental stages

• Counting and mapping labeled cell positions

• Statistical analysis of cell distribution patterns

• As described in the search results, this approach revealed that progeny of Xbves MO-injected blastomeres showed a wide and inconsistent range of distributions throughout the embryo

2. Depth Quantification:

• Measure the distance of labeled cells from the embryo surface

• Categorize cells into distance ranges (e.g., 0-20, 20-40, 40-60, and >60 μm from the surface)

• Apply statistical analysis (e.g., χ² analysis) to determine significance of distribution differences

• The search results indicate this approach successfully demonstrated that Xbves-depleted cells were primarily located in surface structures rather than deep structures

3. Time-lapse Microscopy:

• Track individual cell movements in real-time

• Calculate movement parameters (velocity, directionality, persistence)

• Compare movement patterns between control and Xbves-depleted cells

4. Quantitative Molecular Analysis:

• Solid-state ELISA to quantify protein levels

• Western blotting with densitometric analysis

• qRT-PCR for gene expression analysis

5. Tissue-specific Distribution:

• Quantify the percentage of labeled cells in specific tissues/structures

• Compare actual distribution to expected distribution based on fate maps

• Statistical analysis of deviation from normal distribution patterns

Data Presentation Format:

These quantitative approaches enable rigorous assessment of the effects of Xbves depletion on cell movement patterns during development, providing insights into the role of this protein in coordinating morphogenetic movements .

What are the best methods for producing recombinant Xenopus Bves protein for structural and functional studies?

Production of Recombinant Xenopus Bves Protein:

• Expression System Selection:

  • Bacterial expression (E. coli): Suitable for producing protein domains, particularly cytoplasmic regions

  • Mammalian expression (HEK293, CHO cells): Preferred for full-length protein with proper folding and post-translational modifications

  • Insect cell expression (Sf9, Hi5 cells): Good compromise between yield and eukaryotic processing

• Construct Design:

  • Full-length construct: Complete Xbves coding sequence (1-1738 bp) as referenced in search result

  • Fusion tags: Consider GST, His, or FLAG tags for purification and detection

  • Domain-specific constructs: Express specific domains for targeted studies

• Purification Strategy:

  • For transmembrane proteins like Bves, consider:

    • Detergent solubilization (e.g., Triton X-100 as used in the ELISA protocol from search result )

    • Affinity chromatography based on fusion tags

    • Size exclusion chromatography for final purification

• Validation Methods:

  • SDS-PAGE for purity assessment

  • Western blotting with Bves-specific antibodies

  • Mass spectrometry for identity confirmation

  • Functional assays to verify biological activity

• Considerations for Structural Studies:

  • For crystallography: Focus on stable domains rather than full-length protein

  • For solution studies (NMR): Consider isotope labeling

  • For cryo-EM: Optimize sample stability and homogeneity

• Functional Validation:

  • Cell adhesion assays: Test if recombinant protein can restore function in Bves-depleted cells

  • Binding studies: Investigate interactions with potential partners

  • Structural integrity assessment: Circular dichroism or thermal stability assays

Based on the search results, researchers have successfully produced GST-fused Bves for antibody validation, suggesting this approach as a viable starting point for recombinant protein production .

What controls are essential when performing morpholino knockdown experiments of Xbves?

Essential Controls for Xbves Morpholino Knockdown Experiments:

• Morpholino Controls:

  • Standard control morpholino: Non-targeting sequence to control for injection procedure

  • Mismatch control morpholino: Similar to target sequence but with 4-5 base mismatches

  • Dose-response analysis: Test multiple concentrations to establish specificity

  • Second non-overlapping morpholino: Target different region of Xbves mRNA to confirm phenotype specificity

• Rescue Controls:

  • Co-injection of morpholino-resistant Xbves mRNA (with silent mutations)

  • Demonstration of phenotype rescue validates specificity

  • Dose-dependent rescue provides additional evidence of specificity

• Phenotypic Assessment Controls:

  • Uninjected embryos: Baseline for normal development

  • Lineage tracer only: Control for effects of tracer molecules

  • Collection of embryos at multiple developmental stages to track progression of phenotypes

• Molecular Validation:

  • Western blot or ELISA: Confirm protein knockdown (as described in search result )

  • Immunofluorescence: Visualize reduction in protein levels

  • RT-PCR: Check for potential effects on mRNA levels or splicing

• Functional Validation:

  • Marker analysis: Examine expression of developmental markers (e.g., Xbra, goosecoid as mentioned in search result )

  • Tissue-specific assays: Assess effects on relevant developmental processes

• Quantitative Controls:

  • Statistical analysis: Apply appropriate statistical tests to quantify phenotypic effects

  • Blind scoring: Have observers unaware of treatment score phenotypes

  • Replicate experiments: Perform multiple independent experiments

• Cross-Species Validation:

  • Compare with phenotypes from other species or model systems

  • Correlate with data from genetic mutants if available

In the research described in search result , controls included both global and clonal inhibition approaches, analysis of A1 blastomere derivatives with lineage tracing, and multiple developmental markers to validate phenotypes. Additionally, both in vivo and ex vivo (animal cap) approaches were used to comprehensively assess Xbves function .

How can researchers effectively analyze Xbves localization at different developmental stages?

Methodological Approaches for Analyzing Xbves Localization:

• Tissue Preparation Techniques:

  • Whole-mount immunofluorescence for earlier stages (blastula, gastrula)

  • Cryosectioning or paraffin sectioning for later stages

  • Vibratome sectioning for thick sections with preserved structure

  • Optimal fixation methods: Test multiple fixatives (e.g., paraformaldehyde, methanol) as protein detection can be fixation-sensitive

• Immunodetection Strategies:

  • Multiple antibodies targeting different epitopes

  • Direct comparison of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies

  • Use newly generated monoclonal antibodies as described in search result

  • Zenon Alexa Fluor labeling for direct antibody labeling as mentioned in

• Co-localization Studies:

  • Double/triple immunofluorescence with markers for:

    • Cell junctions (E-cadherin, ZO-1 as mentioned in )

    • Cell types (cytokeratin, sarcomeric myosin)

    • Subcellular compartments (membrane, cytoskeletal components)

  • Confocal microscopy for precise co-localization analysis

• Dynamic Localization:

  • Time-course analysis across key developmental stages

  • Focus on transitions between stages (e.g., blastula to gastrula)

  • Live imaging using fluorescently tagged Xbves in transgenic embryos

• Subcellular Resolution:

  • Super-resolution microscopy for detailed subcellular localization

  • Electron microscopy with immunogold labeling for ultrastructural localization

  • Subcellular fractionation with Western blotting

• Quantitative Analysis:

  • Fluorescence intensity measurements across cell membranes

  • Calculation of co-localization coefficients with junction markers

  • Statistical comparison of localization patterns across stages

• Validation Approaches:

  • Compare protein localization with mRNA expression (in situ hybridization)

  • Verify specificity with knockdown experiments

  • Cross-species comparison of localization patterns

Based on the search results, researchers have successfully used immunofluorescence to detect Bves in the lateral compartment of cell membranes in epithelial cells, with punctate intracellular staining also observed. This pattern appears consistent across multiple cell types and species, suggesting conserved localization mechanisms that should be investigated during Xenopus development .

What are the unexplored aspects of Xbves function in Xenopus development?

Despite significant advances in understanding Xbves function, several important aspects remain unexplored:

• Molecular Interaction Network:

  • Identification of direct binding partners of Xbves in Xenopus embryos

  • Characterization of protein complexes involving Xbves at different developmental stages

  • Integration of Xbves into known signaling pathways during development

• Transcriptional Regulation:

  • Mechanisms controlling Xbves expression during development

  • Identification of transcription factors regulating Xbves expression

  • Epigenetic regulation of the Xbves locus

• Post-translational Modifications:

  • Identification of modifications affecting Xbves function (phosphorylation, glycosylation)

  • Regulatory enzymes controlling these modifications

  • Developmental stage-specific modification patterns

• Structure-Function Relationships:

  • Detailed structural analysis of Xbves domains

  • Correlation between structural features and specific functions

  • Identification of critical residues for protein-protein interactions

• Role in Non-Epithelial Tissues:

  • Function in striated muscle development in Xenopus

  • Potential roles in neural development

  • Comparison of tissue-specific functions

• Later Developmental Roles:

  • Functions beyond gastrulation in organ formation and tissue specialization

  • Potential roles in metamorphosis

  • Contribution to adult tissue homeostasis

• Compensatory Mechanisms:

  • Potential redundancy with other Popdc family members in Xenopus

  • Mechanisms of compensation following partial Xbves depletion

  • Long-term adaptation to Xbves dysfunction

These unexplored aspects represent important avenues for future research that would significantly enhance our understanding of Xbves function in Xenopus development and potentially reveal broader principles of epithelial morphogenesis .

How might CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing be used to advance Xbves research in Xenopus?

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing offers powerful new approaches for Xbves research in Xenopus:

• Generation of Knockout Models:

  • Complete gene knockout to overcome potential limitations of morpholino approaches

  • Creation of tissue-specific knockouts using inducible or conditional systems

  • Generation of allelic series with different mutation severities

• Endogenous Tagging:

  • Introduction of fluorescent protein tags at the endogenous locus

  • Live imaging of endogenously expressed Xbves protein

  • Tagging with affinity tags for biochemical purification of native complexes

• Domain-Specific Modification:

  • Generation of specific mutations in functional domains

  • Creation of truncation mutants to assess domain functions

  • Introduction of point mutations in key residues

• Reporter Knockins:

  • Insertion of reporter genes under control of the endogenous Xbves promoter

  • Precise tracking of expression patterns

  • Lineage tracing of Xbves-expressing cells

• Multiplex Editing:

  • Simultaneous targeting of Xbves and related genes (potential Popdc family members)

  • Assessment of genetic interactions and redundancies

  • Creation of complex genetic models

• Validation of Morpholino Results:

  • Comparison of CRISPR knockout phenotypes with morpholino results

  • Resolution of any discrepancies between approaches

  • More definitive assessment of gene function

• Technical Considerations:

  • Optimization for F0 phenotypic analysis to overcome Xenopus generation time

  • Use of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes for efficient editing

  • Development of tissue-specific delivery methods

CRISPR/Cas9 approaches would complement and extend the morpholino studies described in the search results, potentially providing more definitive insights into Xbves function while overcoming some limitations of antisense approaches .

What interdisciplinary approaches could enhance our understanding of Xbves function in epithelial morphogenesis?

Several interdisciplinary approaches could significantly advance our understanding of Xbves function:

• Biophysical Approaches:

  • Force measurements in Xbves-depleted tissues

  • Analysis of mechanical properties of epithelial sheets

  • Atomic force microscopy to assess cell-cell adhesion strength

  • Laser ablation studies to analyze tension in epithelial sheets

• Advanced Imaging Technologies:

  • Light sheet microscopy for whole-embryo real-time imaging

  • Super-resolution microscopy for detailed localization studies

  • Correlative light and electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis

  • Intravital imaging of tagged Xbves during morphogenesis

• Systems Biology:

  • Transcriptomic analysis of Xbves-depleted embryos

  • Proteomics to identify Xbves-interacting proteins

  • Network analysis of Xbves in developmental signaling pathways

  • Computational modeling of epithelial movement dynamics

• Single-Cell Technologies:

  • Single-cell RNA sequencing of Xbves-expressing and non-expressing cells

  • Analysis of cell-specific responses to Xbves depletion

  • Spatial transcriptomics to correlate gene expression with morphogenetic events

• Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering:

  • Engineered substrates to study Xbves-dependent cell behaviors

  • 3D culture systems to recapitulate epithelial morphogenesis

  • Synthetic biology approaches to create Xbves-responsive systems

• Evolutionary Developmental Biology:

  • Comparative analysis of Bves function across species

  • Correlation of Bves properties with evolutionary innovations in epithelial organization

  • Assessment of Bves in non-model organisms with unique developmental strategies

• Mathematical Modeling:

  • Agent-based models of cell movement during morphogenesis

  • Predictive models of tissue shape changes based on Xbves activity

  • Quantitative analysis of emergent properties in epithelial collectives

These interdisciplinary approaches would build upon the foundational studies described in the search results and place Xbves function in a broader context of developmental mechanisms, potentially revealing principles that extend beyond this specific protein to general mechanisms of morphogenesis .