Mechanics and self-organization in tissue development. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gómez-Gálvez, Pedro; Anbari, Samira; Escudero, Luis M.; Buceta, Javier
• Is Part Of: Seminars in cell & developmental biology. Volume 120(2021)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 159
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Self-organization -- Cell packing -- Cell sorting -- Traveling waves -- Epithelia -- ERK -- Developmental mechanics -- Developmental mechanisms; Cytology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 571.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.07.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1084-9521

Abstract

Abstract: Self-organization is an all-important feature of living systems that provides the means to achieve specialization and functionality at distinct spatio-temporal scales. Herein, we review this concept by addressing the packing organization of cells, the sorting/compartmentalization phenomenon of cell populations, and the propagation of organizing cues at the tissue level through traveling waves. We elaborate on how different theoretical models and tools from Topology, Physics, and Dynamical Systems have improved the understanding of self-organization by shedding light on the role played by mechanics as a driver of morphogenesis. Altogether, by providing a historical perspective, we show how ideas and hypotheses in the field have been revisited, developed, and/or rejected and what are the open questions that need to be tackled by future research.