During gastrulation in Drosophila embryo, there is apical constriction of ventral cells, which results in formation of a ventral furrow and invagination of the mesoderm. This study reports a mechanism for this process and shows that apical constriction of ventral cells is pulsed. These pulses are powered by the actin–myosin contractions and are dependent on the expression of a transcription factor, Snail, whereas the constricted state is stabilized by the transcription factor Twist.
- Adam C. Martin
- Matthias Kaschube
- Eric F. Wieschaus