Acting on identity: Myoblast fusion and the formation of the syncytial muscle fiber Journal Article


Authors: Deng, S.; Azevedo, M.; Baylies, M.
Article Title: Acting on identity: Myoblast fusion and the formation of the syncytial muscle fiber
Abstract: The study of Drosophila muscle development dates back to the middle of the last century. Since that time, Drosophila has proved to be an ideal system for studying muscle development, differentiation, function, and disease. As in humans, Drosophila muscle forms via a series of conserved steps, starting with muscle specification, myoblast fusion, attachment to tendon cells, interactions with motorneurons, and sarcomere and myofibril formation. The genes and mechanisms required for these processes share striking similarities to those found in humans. The highly tractable genetic system and imaging approaches available in Drosophila allow for an efficient interrogation of muscle biology and for application of what we learn to other systems. In this article, we review our current understanding of muscle development in Drosophila, with a focus on myoblast fusion, the process responsible for the generation of syncytial muscle cells. We also compare and contrast those genes required for fusion in Drosophila and vertebrates. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
Keywords: review; nonhuman; drosophila; vertebrate; larva; cell fusion; myoblast; muscle cell; muscle development; membrane fusion; actin cytoskeleton; pupa
Journal Title: Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology
Volume: 72
ISSN: 1084-9521
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2017-12-01
Start Page: 45
End Page: 55
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.10.033
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 29101004
PMCID: PMC5910025
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 2 January 2018 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Mary K Baylies
    85 Baylies
  2. Su Deng
    3 Deng