Cell migration in Drosophila

Recent genetic studies in Drosophila have identified signals that direct ce ll movement, mechanisms that transduce such signals within migrating cells and some of the molecular machinery underlying cell motility. Activation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathway is required for mi gration of the cells of the developing respiratory system and mesoderm, A s ignal dependent on 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutanyl Coenzyme A reductase attracts migrating primordial germ cells to the somatic gonad, whereas the phosphoh ydrolase, phosphatidic acid phosphatase type 2, repels germ cells. In the f emale germline, the migratory path of border cells is directed by the hemop hilic adhesion molecule E cadherin.