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Current Topics in Developmental Biology 2021As multi-cellular organisms evolved from small clusters of cells to complex metazoans, biological tubes became essential for life. Tubes are typically thought of as... (Review)
Review
As multi-cellular organisms evolved from small clusters of cells to complex metazoans, biological tubes became essential for life. Tubes are typically thought of as mainly playing a role in transport, with the hollow space (lumen) acting as a conduit to distribute nutrients and waste, or for gas exchange. However, biological tubes also provide a platform for physiological, mechanical, and structural functions. Indeed, tubulogenesis is often a critical aspect of morphogenesis and organogenesis. C. elegans is made up of tubes that provide structural support and protection (the epidermis), perform the mechanical and enzymatic processes of digestion (the buccal cavity, pharynx, intestine, and rectum), transport fluids for osmoregulation (the excretory system), and execute the functions necessary for reproduction (the germline, spermatheca, uterus and vulva). Here we review our current understanding of the genetic regulation, molecular processes, and physical forces involved in tubulogenesis and morphogenesis of the epidermal, digestive and excretory systems in C. elegans.
Topics: Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans; Female; Morphogenesis; Organogenesis
PubMed: 33992152
DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.12.012 -
Cells Jan 2022Early limb bud development has been of considerable interest for the study of embryological development and especially morphogenesis. The focus has long been on... (Review)
Review
Early limb bud development has been of considerable interest for the study of embryological development and especially morphogenesis. The focus has long been on biochemical signalling and less on cell biomechanics and mechanobiology. However, their importance cannot be understated since tissue shape changes are ultimately controlled by active forces and bulk tissue rheological properties that in turn depend on cell-cell interactions as well as extracellular matrix composition. Moreover, the feedback between gene regulation and the biomechanical environment is still poorly understood. In recent years, novel experimental techniques and computational models have reinvigorated research on this biomechanical and mechanobiological side of embryological development. In this review, we consider three stages of early limb development, namely: outgrowth, elongation, and condensation. For each of these stages, we summarize basic biological regulation and examine the role of cellular and tissue mechanics in the morphogenetic process.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Embryonic Development; Limb Buds; Morphogenesis; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 35159230
DOI: 10.3390/cells11030420 -
Molecular Plant Jul 2022Plants produce a rich diversity of biological forms, and the diversity of leaves is especially notable. Mechanisms of leaf morphogenesis have been studied in the past... (Review)
Review
Plants produce a rich diversity of biological forms, and the diversity of leaves is especially notable. Mechanisms of leaf morphogenesis have been studied in the past two decades, with a growing focus on the interactive roles of mechanics in recent years. Growth of plant organs involves feedback by mechanical stress: growth induces stress, and stress affects growth and morphogenesis. Although much attention has been given to potential stress-sensing mechanisms and cellular responses, the mechanical principles guiding morphogenesis have not been well understood. Here we synthesize the overarching roles of mechanics and mechanical stress in multilevel and multiple stages of leaf morphogenesis, encompassing leaf primordium initiation, phyllotaxis and venation patterning, and the establishment of complex mature leaf shapes. Moreover, the roles of mechanics at multiscale levels, from subcellular cytoskeletal molecules to single cells to tissues at the organ scale, are articulated. By highlighting the role of mechanical buckling in the formation of three-dimensional leaf shapes, this review integrates the perspectives of mechanics and biology to provide broader insights into the mechanobiology of leaf morphogenesis.
Topics: Morphogenesis; Organogenesis, Plant; Plant Leaves; Plants; Stress, Mechanical
PubMed: 35662674
DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2022.05.015 -
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in... Oct 2014In this review, we focus on two important steps in the formation of the embryonic heart: (i) the progressive addition of late differentiating progenitor cells from the... (Review)
Review
In this review, we focus on two important steps in the formation of the embryonic heart: (i) the progressive addition of late differentiating progenitor cells from the second heart field that drives heart tube extension during looping morphogenesis, and (ii) the emergence of patterned proliferation within the embryonic myocardium that generates distinct cardiac chambers. During the transition between these steps, the major site of proliferation switches from progenitor cells outside the early heart to proliferation within the embryonic myocardium. The second heart field and ballooning morphogenesis concepts have major repercussions on our understanding of human heart development and disease. In particular, they provide a framework to dissect the origin of congenital heart defects and the regulation of myocardial proliferation and differentiation of relevance for cardiac repair.
Topics: Body Patterning; Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Heart; Humans; Mesoderm; Morphogenesis; Myocardium; Organogenesis; Stem Cells
PubMed: 25274757
DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a015750 -
Development (Cambridge, England) Jun 2016For over a century, embryologists who studied cellular motion in early amniotes generally assumed that morphogenetic movement reflected migration relative to a static... (Review)
Review
For over a century, embryologists who studied cellular motion in early amniotes generally assumed that morphogenetic movement reflected migration relative to a static extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold. However, as we discuss in this Review, recent investigations reveal that the ECM is also moving during morphogenesis. Time-lapse studies show how convective tissue displacement patterns, as visualized by ECM markers, contribute to morphogenesis and organogenesis. Computational image analysis distinguishes between cell-autonomous (active) displacements and convection caused by large-scale (composite) tissue movements. Modern quantification of large-scale 'total' cellular motion and the accompanying ECM motion in the embryo demonstrates that a dynamic ECM is required for generation of the emergent motion patterns that drive amniote morphogenesis.
Topics: Animals; Extracellular Matrix; Humans; Invertebrates; Morphogenesis; Motion; Organogenesis
PubMed: 27302396
DOI: 10.1242/dev.127886 -
Current Topics in Developmental Biology 2013Teleosts are the largest and most diverse group of vertebrates, and many species undergo morphological, physiological, and behavioral transitions, "metamorphoses," as... (Review)
Review
Teleosts are the largest and most diverse group of vertebrates, and many species undergo morphological, physiological, and behavioral transitions, "metamorphoses," as they progress between morphologically divergent life stages. The larval metamorphosis that generally occurs as teleosts mature from larva to juvenile involves the loss of embryo-specific features, the development of new adult features, major remodeling of different organ systems, and changes in physical proportions and overall phenotype. Yet, in contrast to anuran amphibians, for example, teleost metamorphosis can entail morphological change that is either sudden and profound, or relatively gradual and subtle. Here, we review the definition of metamorphosis in teleosts, the diversity of teleost metamorphic strategies and the transitions they involve, and what is known of their underlying endocrine and genetic bases. We suggest that teleost metamorphosis offers an outstanding opportunity for integrating our understanding of endocrine mechanisms, cellular processes of morphogenesis and differentiation, and the evolution of diverse morphologies and life histories.
Topics: Animals; Biodiversity; Endocrine System; Fishes; Metamorphosis, Biological; Morphogenesis
PubMed: 23347518
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-385979-2.00005-8 -
Small (Weinheim An Der Bergstrasse,... Feb 2022Embryonic morphogenesis is a biological process which depicts shape forming of tissues and organs during development. Unveiling the roles of mechanical forces generated,... (Review)
Review
Embryonic morphogenesis is a biological process which depicts shape forming of tissues and organs during development. Unveiling the roles of mechanical forces generated, transmitted, and regulated in cells and tissues through these processes is key to understanding the biophysical mechanisms governing morphogenesis. To this end, it is imperative to measure, simulate, and predict the regulation and control of these mechanical forces during morphogenesis. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the recent advances on mechanical properties of cells and tissues, generation of mechanical forces in cells and tissues, the transmission processes of these generated forces during cells and tissues, the tools and methods used to measure and predict these mechanical forces in vivo, in vitro, or in silico, and to better understand the corresponding regulation and control of generated forces. Understanding the biomechanics and mechanobiology of morphogenesis will not only shed light on the fundamental physical mechanisms underlying these concerted biological processes during normal development, but also uncover new information that will benefit biomedical research in preventing and treating congenital defects or tissue engineering and regeneration.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Biophysics; Embryonic Development; Morphogenesis
PubMed: 34837328
DOI: 10.1002/smll.202103466 -
Developmental Biology Aug 2022Myriads forces are at play during morphogenesis. Their concerted activity shapes individual cells, tissues and the whole embryo, representing the most awe-inspiring... (Review)
Review
Myriads forces are at play during morphogenesis. Their concerted activity shapes individual cells, tissues and the whole embryo, representing the most awe-inspiring marvel of developmental biology. In spite of their prevalence, the potential instructive role of cell mechanics in fate determination and patterning has remained long neglected, in part due to the difficulties in translating the physical world of cells in molecular terms. The recent discovery of the principles of mechanotransduction, of how these impact on gene expression, is however starting to change this scenario, making mechanotransduction finally amenable to experimental dissection through genetics, molecular and bioengineering approaches. Here we review this emerging field, and a series of discoveries that potently bring back cell mechanics at the centerstage of vertebrate developmental biology. We discuss the role of actomyosin contractility as integrating platform between morphogens, lateral inhibition and mechanosignaling. We also review data indicating that supracellular pulling forces, coupled with solid-to-fluid changes in the material contexture of embryonic fields, may act as overarching mechanical "organizers". The evidence also indicates that a continuum of forces is what ultimately locks "self-organizing" movements with cell fate, from the earliest pre-implantation decisions to the fine details of organogenesis. Notably, similar mechanisms are reawakened in organoids and in adult tissues during regeneration. Developmental biology has been correctly depicted, but recently often forgotten, as the "mother" of all biological disciplines. Investigations in developmental mechanics may revamp interest, and have a broad impact in the fields of regenerative medicine, stem cells and cancer biology.
Topics: Actomyosin; Animals; Embryonic Development; Mechanotransduction, Cellular; Morphogenesis; Organogenesis; Vertebrates
PubMed: 35580730
DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.05.005 -
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology Oct 2021The heart is the earliest organ to develop during embryogenesis and is remarkable in its ability to function efficiently as it is being sculpted. Cardiac heart defects... (Review)
Review
The heart is the earliest organ to develop during embryogenesis and is remarkable in its ability to function efficiently as it is being sculpted. Cardiac heart defects account for a high burden of childhood developmental disorders with many remaining poorly understood mechanistically. Decades of work across a multitude of model organisms has informed our understanding of early cardiac differentiation and morphogenesis and has simultaneously opened new and unanswered questions. Here we have synthesized current knowledge in the field and reviewed recent developments in the realm of imaging, bioengineering and genetic technology and ex vivo cardiac modeling that may be deployed to generate more holistic models of early cardiac morphogenesis, and by extension, new platforms to study congenital heart defects.
Topics: Heart; Humans; Models, Biological; Morphogenesis; Pluripotent Stem Cells
PubMed: 33994301
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.04.025 -
Current Topics in Developmental Biology 2021The pancreas of adult mammals displays a branched structure which transports digestive enzymes produced in the distal acini through a tree-like network of ducts into the... (Review)
Review
The pancreas of adult mammals displays a branched structure which transports digestive enzymes produced in the distal acini through a tree-like network of ducts into the duodenum. In contrast to several other branched organs, its branching patterns are not stereotypic. Moreover, the branches do not grow from dichotomic splitting of an initial stem but rather from the formation of microlumen in a mass of cells. These lumen progressively assemble into a hyperconnected network that refines into a tree by the time of birth. We review the cell remodeling events and the molecular mechanisms governing pancreas branching, as well as the role of the surrounding tissues in this process. Furthermore, we draw parallels with other branched organs such as the salivary and mammary gland.
Topics: Animals; Mammals; Morphogenesis; Organogenesis; Pancreas
PubMed: 33820626
DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.10.006