# α-Spectrin regulates cell shape changes during disassembly of microtubule-driven protrusions in Drosophila wings

## TL;DR

This paper explores how α-Spectrin helps cells change shape during wing development in fruit flies.

## Contribution

The study reveals α-Spectrin's role in regulating microtubule and actomyosin networks during cell shape changes in Drosophila wings.

## Key findings

- α-Spectrin regulates microtubule and actomyosin networks during protrusion disassembly.
- Apical relaxation of wing epithelia requires α-Spectrin during protrusion disassembly.
- α-Spectrin contributes to 3D tissue morphogenesis in Drosophila pupal wings.

## Abstract

The dynamics of microtubule-mediated protrusions, termed Interplanar Amida Network (IPAN) in
Drosophila
pupal wing, involve cell shape changes. The molecular mechanisms underlying these processes are yet to be fully understood. This study delineates the stages of cell shape alterations during the disassembly of microtubule protrusions and underscores the pivotal role of α-Spectrin in driving these changes by regulating both the microtubule and actomyosin networks. Our findings also demonstrate that α-Spectrin is required for the apical relaxation of wing epithelia during protrusion disassembly, indicating its substantial contribution to the robustness of 3D tissue morphogenesis.