Semaphorins are secreted signals that function during diverse developmental events, from axon guidance to angiogenesis. Although the plexin A family of semaphorin receptors has been well characterised, less is known about the B-type plexins, particularly their roles in organogenesis. Now Korostylev et al. have discovered that the Sema4d-plexin B1 ligand-receptor pair negatively regulates branching morphogenesis during kidney development by RhoA-ROCK pathway activation (see p. 3333). By analysing the expression of this pair in developing organs,the authors found that plexin B1 and Sema4d are expressed in epithelial and mesenchymal compartments, respectively, implicating them in the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that occur during organogenesis. Next, in cultured mouse embryonic kidneys, they found that exogenously applied Sema4d reduces ureteric branching and activates RhoA. However, when they blocked the RhoA-ROCK pathway, Sema4d stimulated ureteric branching. From these findings,the authors conclude that RhoA-ROCK signalling acts as an endogenous brake on plexin B1-triggered, branch-promoting signalling through a...
The Company of Biologists Workshops
For the last 15 years, our publisher, The Company of Biologists, has provided an apt environment to inspire biology and support biologists through our Workshops series. Read about the evolution of the Workshop series and revisit JEB's experience with hosting the first Global South Workshop.
Call for papers – Lifelong Development: the Maintenance, Regeneration and Plasticity of Tissues
Development invites you to submit your latest research to our upcoming special issue – Lifelong Development: the Maintenance, Regeneration and Plasticity of Tissues. This issue will be coordinated by Guest Editors Meritxell Huch (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Germany) and Mansi Srivastava (Harvard University and Museum of Comparative Zoology, USA), working alongside our team of academic Editors. Submit your articles by 30 May 2025.
Meet our 2025 Pathway to Independence (PI) fellows
We are delighted to announce our third cohort of PI fellows - researchers whom we will be supporting as they transition from postdoc to Principal Investigator. Read about the eight talented fellows chosen, whom we're excited to be working with as they navigate the job market.
A case for broadening our view of mechanism in developmental biology
In this Perspective, B. Duygu Özpolat and colleagues survey researchers on their views on what it takes to infer mechanism in developmental biology. They examine what factors shape our idea of what we mean by ‘mechanism’ and suggest a path forward that embraces a broad outlook on the diversity of studies that advance knowledge in our field.
the Node: Have your say
Our community site, the Node, is conducting a user survey about the content and the design of the site. Help us shape the Node's future and thank you for being a part of the Node over the last 15 years.
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