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First published online 14 May 2008
doi: 10.1242/dev.014498

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Tracheal branching morphogenesis in Drosophila: new insights into cell behaviour and organ architecture

Biozentrum der Universität Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.

^* Author for correspondence (e-mail: Markus.Affolter{at}unibas.ch)

SUMMARY

Our understanding of the molecular control of morphological processes has increased tremendously over recent years through the development and use of high resolution in vivo imaging approaches, which have enabled cell behaviour to be linked to molecular functions. Here we review how such approaches have furthered our understanding of tracheal branching morphogenesis in Drosophila, during which the control of cell invagination, migration, competition and rearrangement is accompanied by the sequential secretion and resorption of proteins into the apical luminal space, a vital step in the elaboration of the trachea's complex tubular network. We also discuss the similarities and differences between flies and vertebrates in branched organ formation that are becoming apparent from these studies.