Chapter 4 Chapter Outline

Cell-to-Cell Communication: Mechanisms of Morphogenesis

A Primer on Cell-to-Cell Communication

Adhesion and Sorting: Juxtacrine Signaling and the Physics of Morphogenesis

  • Differential cell affinity
  • The thermodynamic model of cell interactions
  • Cadherins and cell adhesion

The Extracellular Matrix as a Source of Developmental Signals

  • Integrins: Receptors for extracellular matrix molecules

The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Cell Signaling

  • Induction and competence

Paracrine Factors: Inducer Molecules

  • Morphogen gradients
  • Signal transduction cascades: The response to inducers
  • Fibroblast growth factors and the RTK pathway
  • FGFs and the JAK-STAT pathway
  • The Hedgehog family
  • The Wnt family
  • The TGF-β superfamily
  • Other paracrine factors

The Cell Biology of Paracrine Signaling

  • Focal membrane protrusions as signaling sources

Juxtacrine Signaling for Cell Identity

  • The Notch pathway: Juxtaposed ligands and receptors for pattern formation
  • Paracrine and juxtacrine signaling in coordination: Vulval induction in C. elegans
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