Junichi Ikenouchi

Environment-specific mechanosensing preserves a common bleb-based migratory program across diverse embryonic environments

The paper shows chick primordial germ cells use a common bleb-based migratory program across different embryonic environments, with distinct molecular mechanisms in each context.

Chemotherapy resistance due to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is caused by abnormal lipid metabolic balance

The paper identifies that Snail-induced chemoresistance in cancer cells is linked to an imbalance in lipid metabolism, specifically through the repression of sphingomyelin biosynthesis and upregulation of ABCA1.

A steady state pool of calcium-dependent actin is maintained by Homer and controls epithelial mechanosensation

This paper identifies Homer and MUPP1/PatJ as regulators of calcium-dependent actin dynamics at the apical junctional complex, essential for epithelial mechanosensation and wound healing.

Bleb-based extravasation: conserved morphodynamics, divergent calcium control

The paper shows that all extravasating cells form Ca²⁺-dependent membrane blebs, but the source of Ca²⁺ varies by lineage, highlighting distinct regulatory mechanisms.

Rho-ROCK liberates sequestered claudin for rapid de novo tight junction formation

This study identifies the Rho-ROCK pathway's role in cleaving EpCAM/TROP2 to release claudin for rapid de novo tight junction formation during epithelial turnover.

Wounding induces preexisting multinucleated cells to survive and thrive as leader cells

The paper shows that wounding allows preexisting multinucleated cells to survive and become leader cells in epithelial sheets.

The yolk sac vasculature in early avian embryo provides a novel model for the analysis of cancer extravasation

The paper uses the yolk sac vasculature of early avian embryos to study cancer cell extravasation, showing distinct morphologies and dynamics through fluorescent labeling.

The SOCE system is critical for membrane bleb formation to drive avian primordial germ cell migration

The paper shows that SOCE-mediated Ca2+ elevation drives membrane bleb formation in avian PGCs, essential for in vivo migration.