CYFIP dependent Actin Remodeling controls specific aspects of Drosophila eye morphogenesis

Cell rearrangements shape organs and organisms using molecular pathways and cellular processes that are still poorly understood. Here we investigate the role of the Actin cytoskeleton in the formation of the Drosophila compound eye, which requires extensive remodeling and coordination between different cell types. We show that CYFIP/Sra-1, a member of the WAVE/SCAR complex and regulator of Actin remodeling, controls specific aspects of eye architecture: rhabdomere extension, rhabdomere terminal web organization, adherens junctions, retina depth and basement membrane integrity. We demonstrate that some phenotypes manifest independently, due to defects in different cell types. Mutations in WAVE/SCAR and in ARP2/3 complex subunits but not in WASP, another major regulator of Actin nucleation, phenocopy CYFIP defects. Thus, the CYFIP-SCAR-ARP2/3 pathway orchestrates specific tissue remodeling processes.

► CYFIP loss affects directed rhabdomere growth, photoreceptor architecture and retina organization in Drosophila.
► These morphogenetic defects reflect CYFIP cell-specific requirements.
► CYFIP is necessary for proper Actin cytoskeleton remodeling and Actin distribution.
► CYFIP operates though the WAVE/SCAR and ARP2/3 complexes and independent of WASP.