The nematode cuticle is an extremely flexible and resilient exoskeleton that permits
locomotion via attachment to muscle, confers environmental protection and allows growth by …

All nematodes possess an external structure known as the cuticle, which is crucial for their
development and survival. This structure is composed primarily of collagen, which is …

Polarized intracellular trafficking in epithelia is critical in development, immunity, and
physiology to deliver morphogens, defensins, or ion pumps to the appropriate membrane …

Molting is an essential developmental process for the majority of animal species on Earth.
During the molting process, which is a specialized form of extracellular matrix (ECM) …

How tissues acquire their characteristic shape is a fundamental unresolved question in
biology. While genes have been characterized that control local mechanical forces to …

Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) coat exposed surfaces of epithelia to shape
developing tissues and protect them from environmental insults. Despite their widespread …

The surface coat (SC) of the plant-parasitic nematode cuticle is an understudied area of
current research, even though it likely plays key roles in both nematode-plant and nematode …

The Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis forms one of the principal barrier epithelia of the
animal. Differentiation of the epidermis begins in mid embryogenesis and involves apical …

Biological tubes must develop and maintain their proper diameter to transport materials
efficiently. These tubes are molded and protected in part by apical extracellular matrices …

Epithelial cells secrete apical extracellular matrices to form protruding structures such as
denticles, ridges, scales, or teeth. The mechanisms that shape these structures remain …