Epithelial tube morphogenesis

After the fates of the vulval cells have been determined by the combined action of the EGFR/RAS/MAPK and Delta/Notch signaling pathways, the vulval cells proliferate, undergo shape changes and spatially rearrange to form a tubular organ consisting of 22 cells. We are investigating how the EGFR/RAS/MAPK and Notch pathways control actomyosin-mediated apical and lateral cell constrictions to initiate lumen formation and shape the organ. The insights gained from our studies on vulval morphogenesis uncover the principle mechanisms governing organ development and can be applied to understand the formation of more complex organs in higher animals.

Key publications

Reciprocal EGFR signaling in the anchor cell ensures precise inter-organ connection during Caenorhabditis elegans vulval morphogenesis.

Spiri S, Berger S, Mereu L, DeMello A, Hajnal A.
Development. 2022 Jan 1

The Invading Anchor Cell Induces Lateral Membrane Constriction during Vulval Lumen Morphogenesis in C. elegans.

Yang Q, Roiz D, Mereu L, Daube M, Hajnal A.
Dev Cell. 2017 Aug 7

Coordinated lumen contraction and expansion during vulval tube morphogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Farooqui S, Pellegrino MW, Rimann I, Morf MK, Müller L, Fröhli E, Hajnal A.
Dev Cell. 2012 Sep 11

LIN-39 and the EGFR/RAS/MAPK pathway regulate C. elegans vulval morphogenesis via the VAB-23 zinc finger protein.

Pellegrino MW, Farooqui S, Fröhli E, Rehrauer H, Kaeser-Pebernard S, Müller F, Gasser RB, Hajnal A.
Development. 2011 Nov

The conserved zinc finger protein VAB-23 is an essential regulator of epidermal morphogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Pellegrino MW, Gasser RB, Sprenger F, Stetak A, Hajnal A.
Biol Dev 1; Epub 2009 Sep 30.