Live Imaging of Drosophila melanogaster Eye-Antennal Imaginal Disc Ex vivo Culture: Craniofacial Morphogenesis

Abstract

The ex vivo culture and live imaging of Drosophila larval eye-antennal imaginal discs provide unique insights into the intricate mechanisms of head morphogenesis. We present a refined ex vivo culturing technique optimized for prolonged imaging sessions, during which we defined distinct developmental stages marked by dynamic morphogenetic events, disc fusion, and head cuticle formation. Our investigation reveals the critical role of peripodial epithelium (PE) substructures in mediating fusion events, highlighting their diverse morphological features and functional significance. Additionally, results show that apoptosis, coordinated movement, and fusion of epithelial cells in the imaginal discs are key factors in the morphogenesis of the fly's head region and the formation of head structures.