Model of robustness in embryogenesis from cell mechanics and desynchronization (IMAGE)
Caption
At the end of the 4-cell stage, embryos divide to the 8-cell stage, forming many different shapes and high variability between embryos. Then, cells increase their surface tension which brings cells closer to each others and triggers topological transitions (i.e., changes in cell-cell contacts). Ultimately, embryos are driven towards the most optimal packing (cyan). Meanwhile, cell divisions gradually become less and less synchronous over time. This increase of variability in time helps to maintain topological optimality through generations, lowering variability in space and promoting embryogenesis robustness.
Credit
Dimitri Fabrèges. Copyright Hubrecht Institute
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