Based on our findings in Drosophila (see Akhmanova M. et al., Science 2022), we hypothesize that divisions in tissues serve as a broadly utilized mechanism that induces local perturbations, which can facilitate invasion in many tissues. To test this hypothesis, we are looking for other systems where divisions play crucial role in invasion, while utilizing Drosophila embryo and organoid models to further explore interaction mechanisms between macrophages and tissue division. We focus on answering the following questions:
- In which tissues, organisms and systems do divisions enable or enhance infiltration? Is immune infiltration into tumors facilitated by divisions?
- Are migrating cells attracted to dividing tissue cells and from how far? Which signals attract migratory cells to a dividing cell?
- Can migratory cells induce tissue divisions to facilitate their own migration?