βPS-Integrin acts downstream of Innexin 2 in modulating stretched cell morphogenesis in the <i>Drosophila</i> ovary

Abstract

AbstractDuring oogenesis, a group of specialized follicle cells, known as stretched cells (StCs), flatten drastically from cuboidal to squamous shape. While morphogenesis of epithelia is critical for organogenesis, genes and signaling pathways involved in this process remain to be revealed. In addition to formation of gap junctions for intercellular exchange of small molecules, gap junction proteins form channels or act as adaptor proteins to regulate various cellular behaviors. In invertebrates, gap junction proteins are Innexins. Knockdown of Innexin 2InnexinmyospheroidInnexin 2Innexin 2myospheroidInnexin 2