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Probing Cell Mechanics with Subcellular Laser Dissection of Actomyosin Networks in the Early Developing Drosophila Embryo

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Tissue Morphogenesis

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1189))

Abstract

Laser dissection is a useful tool in developmental biology to probe mechanical forces from the subcellular to the tissue/embryo scale. During tissue morphogenesis, cells are equipped with networks of actomyosin that generate forces. Here we present a technique based on near-infrared (NIR) femtosecond (fs) pulsed laser dissection that allows subcellular ablation of actomyosin networks. This technique allows to selectively ablate actomyosin networks while preserving cell plasma membrane. The resulting relaxation of the remaining network after laser dissection is imaged and analyzed to deduce local forces responsible for tissue morphogenesis in the developing Drosophila embryo.

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Acknowledgement

M. R. is the recipient of EMBO/Marie Curie cofunded and Human Frontier Science Program Long-Term Fellowship. P.- F. L. is supported by CNRS (ATIP program), ANR, and FRM. We acknowledge the laser company Amplitudes Systèmes for continuous support.

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Correspondence to P.-F. Lenne Ph.D. .

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Rauzi, M., Lenne, PF. (2015). Probing Cell Mechanics with Subcellular Laser Dissection of Actomyosin Networks in the Early Developing Drosophila Embryo. In: Nelson, C. (eds) Tissue Morphogenesis. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1189. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1164-6_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1164-6_14

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-1163-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-1164-6

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