Planar polarized Rab35 functions as an oscillatory ratchet during cell intercalation in the Drosophila epithelium

Abstract

Various stages of tissue morphogenesis involve the contraction of epithelial surfaces. Here, the authors identify the Rab GTPase Rab35 as an essential component of this contractile process, which functions as a membrane ratchet to ensure unidirectional movement of intercalating cells.