Dynamics of a Volvox embryo turning itself inside out.

Phys Rev Lett

Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom.

Published: May 2015

AI Article Synopsis

  • Cell sheet deformations are common in early animal development, involving complex interactions of cell shape, division, and movement.
  • This study investigates the "inversion" process in Volvox embryos, where they turn inside out primarily through cell shape changes.
  • Using light sheet microscopy, the research offers 3D visualizations and a theoretical framework for inversion, highlighting how local changes in cell curvature and elasticity play a vital role in this active process.

Article Abstract

Deformations of cell sheets are ubiquitous in early animal development, often arising from a complex and poorly understood interplay of cell shape changes, division, and migration. Here, we explore perhaps the simplest example of cell sheet folding: the "inversion" process of the algal genus Volvox, during which spherical embryos turn themselves inside out through a process hypothesized to arise from cell shape changes alone. We use light sheet microscopy to obtain the first three-dimensional visualizations of inversion in vivo, and develop the first theory of this process, in which cell shape changes appear as local variations of intrinsic curvature, contraction and stretching of an elastic shell. Our results support a scenario in which these active processes function in a defined spatiotemporal manner to enable inversion.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.114.178101DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

cell shape
12
shape changes
12
cell
5
dynamics volvox
4
volvox embryo
4
embryo turning
4
turning inside
4
inside deformations
4
deformations cell
4
cell sheets
4

Similar Publications

Unlabelled: Peptidoglycan (PG) is an important bacterial macromolecule that confers cell shape and structural integrity, and is a key antibiotic target. Its synthesis and turnover are carefully coordinated with other cellular processes and pathways. Despite established connections between the biosynthesis of PG and the outer membrane, or PG and DNA replication, links between PG and folate metabolism remain comparatively unexplored.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Human-derived microRNA 21 regulates indole and L-tryptophan biosynthesis transcripts in the gut commensal .

mBio

January 2025

Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Unlabelled: In the gut, microRNAs (miRNAs) produced by intestinal epithelial cells are secreted into the lumen and can shape the composition and function of the gut microbiome. Crosstalk between gut microbes and the host plays a key role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases, yet little is known about how the miRNA-gut microbiome axis contributes to the pathogenesis of these conditions. Here, we investigate the ability of miR-21, a miRNA that we found decreased in fecal samples from IBS patients, to associate with and regulate gut microbiome function.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Disrupted nuclear shape is associated with multiple pathological processes including premature aging disorders, cancer-relevant chromosomal rearrangements, and DNA damage. Nuclear blebs (i.e.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Unlabelled: Engineered three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture platforms are useful for reproducing and elucidating complex in vivo biological phenomena. Spheroids, 3D aggregates of living cells, are produced based on physicochemical or microfabrication technologies and are commonly used even in cancer pathology research. However, conventional methods have difficulties in constructing 3D structures depending on the cell types, and require specialized techniques/lab know-how to reproducibly control the spheroid size and shape.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Anisotropic structure of nanofiber hydrogel accelerates diabetic wound healing via triadic synergy of immune-angiogenic-neurogenic microenvironments.

Bioact Mater

May 2025

State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.

Wound healing in chronic diabetic patients remains challenging due to the multiple types of cellular dysfunction and the impairment of multidimensional microenvironments. The physical signals of structural anisotropy offer significant potential for orchestrating multicellular regulation through physical contact and cellular mechanosensing pathways, irrespective of cell type. In this study, we developed a highly oriented anisotropic nanofiber hydrogel designed to provide directional guidance for cellular extension and cytoskeletal organization, thereby achieving pronounced multicellular modulation, including shape-induced polarization of macrophages, morphogenetic maturation of Schwann cells, oriented extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition by fibroblasts, and enhanced vascularization by endothelial cells.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!