The Collagens DPY-17 and SQT-3 Direct Anterior–Posterior Migration of the Q Neuroblasts in C. elegans

Cell adhesion molecules and their extracellular ligands control morphogenetic events such as directed cell migration. The migration of neuroblasts neural crest cells establishes the structure central peripheral nervous systems. In C. elegans, bilateral Q descendants undergo long-range migrations with left/right asymmetry. QR its on right migrate anteriorly, QL left posteriorly, despite identical patterns division, death, neuronal generation. initial direction protrusion relies asymmetric functions transmembrane receptors UNC-40/DCC PTP-3/LAR in cells. Here, we show that asymmetry is independent GPA-16/Gα pathway which regulates other asymmetries, including system L/R No cue has been identified guides anterior versus posterior migrations. We collagens DPY-17 SQT-3 protrusion. Genetic interactions suggest drive might act both or a parallel pathway. Analysis mutants matrix components indicated general perturbation (ECM) did not result directional defects, effect specific. are cuticle, but role basement membrane cannot be excluded. Possibly, part pattern cuticle and/or oriented to anterior–posterior axis animal deciphered by left–right fashion. Alternatively, involved production stabilization guidance directs any case, these results describe novel for directing neuroblast