Biology subjects

Campanale, J. P.

Publications and source records attributed to Campanale, J. P..

5 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Systematic analysis of RhoGAP expression and function in border cell morphology and migration

Rho family GTPases are central hubs in the signaling and cytoskeletal networks that govern cell morphology and behavior. GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) inactivate them by accelerating GTP hydrolysis. However, a systematic analysis of GAPs in cell migration is lacking. Here, we report screens for RhoGAP expression and function in migratory Drosophila border cells. Constitutively active Cdc42, Rac, or Rho causes defects, demonstrating that negative regulation is critical. Integrating single-cell RNAseq with published datasets reveals that most of the 22 RhoGAPs are expressed in border cells. RNAi knockdown shows most RhoGAPs are functionally required. We developed automated image analysis tools to sensitively and objectively classify border cell morphologies, defining a normal morphological phase space. RhoGAP perturbations push clusters outside this range. In-depth analysis of RhoGAPp190 reveals that loss-of-function resembles Rho hyperactivation and gain-of-function resembles myosin II inhibition. Thus, complex spatiotemporal sculpting of RhoGTPase activities requires diverse RhoGAPs within a single cell type to control morphology and motility in vivo.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2025

LGBTQ+ realities in the biological sciences

While scientific environments have been described as unwelcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, and fields such as physics have systematically documented these challenges, the climate in biology workplaces has not been assessed. We conducted the largest survey to date of LGBTQ+ biologists to examine how their sense of belonging and perception of climate in the biology workplace and professional societies compare to that of their straight and cis peers. We surveyed 1419 biologists across five professional societies, with 486 identifying as LGBTQ+. Trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) biologists reported lower belonging and morale within the workplace, professional societies, and the biology community compared to cis, straight biologists. They also reported being less comfortable with the climate of various professional biology environments. While LGBTQ+ biologists report that their workplaces are moderately inclusive, over 20% of all LGBTQ+ biologists and nearly 40% of TGNC biologists experience exclusionary behavior at work. This landmark survey provides the first comprehensive analysis of the LGBTQ+ climate in biology, revealing specific challenges faced by TGNC scientists and identifying interventions to enhance inclusivity for scientists. Significance StatementThis landmark study includes the largest known sample of LGBTQ+ biologists and offers the first comprehensive description of the LGBTQ+ climate in biology, differentiating between the experiences of cisgender lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) biologists and transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) biologists. The study found that compared to non-LGBTQ+ biologists, TGNC participants report lower belonging, morale and comfort with the climate across biology workplaces, professional societies, and the biology community. While on average LGBTQ+ participants reported that their workplaces are moderately inclusive, over 20% of all LGBTQ+ biologists and nearly 40% of TGNC biologists report experiencing exclusionary behaviors at work. The study offers immediate implications for institutional policies and professional development in the biological sciences.

scientific communication and education↗

bioRxiv2022

Specialized protrusions coordinate migratory border cell cluster cohesion via Scribble, Cdep, and Rac

Collective cell movements drive normal development and metastasis. Drosophila border cells move as a cluster of 6-10 cells, where the role of the Rac GTPase in migration was first established. Rac stimulates leading edge protrusions in most migratory cells. Upstream Rac regulators in leading border cell protrusions have been identified; however the regulation and function of Rac in follower cells is unknown. Here we show that Rac is required in all cells of the cluster and promotes follower cell motility. We identify a Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Cdep, that also regulates follower cell movement and cluster cohesion. The tumor suppressors Scribble, Discs Large, and Lethal Giant Larva localize Cdep basolaterally and share phenotypes with Cdep. Relocalization of Cdep::GFP partially rescues Scrib knockdown, suggesting that Cdep is a major downstream effector of basolateral proteins. Thus, a Scrib/Cdep/Rac pathway promotes cell crawling and coordinated, collective migration in vivo.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Septins are essential for protrusion and detachment in collective border cell migration

Septins self-assemble into polymers that bind and deform membranes in vitro and regulate diverse cell behaviors in vivo. How their in vitro properties relate to their in vivo functions is under active investigation. Here we uncover requirements for septins in detachment and motility of border cell clusters in the Drosophila ovary. Septins and myosin colocalize dynamically at the cluster periphery and share phenotypes, but surprisingly do not impact each other. Instead, Rho independently regulates myosin activity and septin localization. Active Rho recruits septins to membranes while inactive Rho sequesters septins in the cytoplasm. Mathematical analyses reveal how manipulating septin expression alters cluster shape and surface geometry. This study shows that the level of septin expression regulates surface properties at different scales. This work suggests that downstream of Rho, septins tune surface deformability while myosin controls contractility, the combination of which govern cluster shape and movement.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Tissue topography steers migrating Drosophila border cells

Moving cells can sense and respond to physical features of the microenvironment, however in vivo the significance of tissue topography is mostly unknown. Here we use the Drosophila border cells, an established model for in vivo cell migration, to study how chemical and physical information influence migration path selection. Live imaging, genetics, modeling, and simulations show that, although chemical cues were thought to be sufficient, microtopography is also important. Chemoattractants promote predominantly posterior movement, whereas tissue architecture presents orthogonal information, a path of least resistance concentrated near the center of the egg chamber. E-cadherin supplies a permissive haptotactic cue. Our results provide insight into how cells integrate and prioritize topographical, adhesive, and chemoattractant cues to choose one path amongst many.

developmental biology↗