Generating active T1 transitions through mechanochemical feedback

Rastko Sknepnek (Lead / Corresponding author), Ilyas Djafer-Cherif, Manli Chuai, Cornelis Weijer (Lead / Corresponding author), Silke Henkes (Lead / Corresponding author)

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)
92 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Convergence-extension in embryos is controlled by chemical and mechanical signalling. A key cellular process is the exchange of neighbours via T1 transitions. We propose and analyse a model with positive feedback between recruitment of myosin motors and mechanical tension in cell junctions. The model produces active T1 events, which act to elongate the tissue perpendicular to the main direction of tissue stress. Using an idealized tissue patch comprising several active cells embedded in a matrix of passive hexagonal cells we identified an optimal range of mechanical stresses to trigger an active T1 event. We show that directed stresses also generate tension chains in a realistic patch made entirely of active cells of random shapes, and leads to convergence-extension over a range of parameters. Our findings show that active intercalations can generate stress that activates T1 events in neighbouring cells resulting in tension dependent tissue reorganisation, in qualitative agreement with experiments on gastrulation in chick embryos.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere79862
Number of pages27
JournaleLife
Volume12
Early online date11 Apr 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 May 2023

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Generating active T1 transitions through mechanochemical feedback'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this