The tracheal system of insects is a network of epithelial tubules that functions as a
respiratory organ to supply oxygen to various target organs. Target-derived signaling inputs …

Extracellular matrices (ECMs) are structurally and compositionally diverse networks of
collagenous and noncollagenous glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and …

Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) are complex extracellular compartments that form
important interfaces between animals and their environment. In the adult C. elegans cuticle …

Cells are 3D objects. Therefore, volume EM (vEM) is often crucial for correct interpretation of
ultrastructural data. Today, scanning EM (SEM) methods such as focused ion beam (FIB) …

The Drosophila corneal lens is entirely composed of chitin and other apical extracellular
matrix components, and it is not known how it acquires the biconvex shape that enables it to …

Membrane expansion integrates multiple forces to mediate precise tube growth and network
formation. Defects lead to deformations, as found in diseases such as polycystic kidney …

Butterflies display some of the most striking examples of structural colour in nature. These
colours originate from cuticular scales that cover the wing surface, which have evolved a …

Organs are sculpted by extracellular as well as cell-intrinsic forces, but how collective cell
dynamics are orchestrated in response to environmental cues is poorly understood. Here we …

During terminal differentiation, most cells exit the cell cycle and enter into a prolonged or
permanent G0 in which they are refractory to mitogenic signals. Entry into G0 is usually …

Epithelial cells secrete apical extracellular matrices to form protruding structures such as
denticles, ridges, scales, or teeth. The mechanisms that shape these structures remain …