Btbd7 Regulates Epithelial Cell Dynamics and Branching Morphogenesis

Abstract

Epithelial Cleft Formation The internal architecture of many embryonic organs is established by repetitive branching of epithelia. Epithelial clefts and outgrowths generate this internal branching of glands and other organs. Onodera et al. (p. 562 ) identify a gene, Btbd7 , as a regulator of epithelial dynamics and cleft formation, linking the extracellular matrix with morphogenesis. Btbd7 is induced by a matrix protein at sites of cleft progression and induces a transcription factor and suppresses cell adhesion. The resulting local cell separation and motility contribute to transient tissue gaps that contribute to clefts that help form branched organs.