Tissue interplay during morphogenesis

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Jaime A. Espina - , Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (Author)
  • Marilia H. Cordeiro - , Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (Author)
  • Elias H. Barriga - , Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (Author)

Abstract

The process by which biological systems such as cells, tissues and organisms acquire shape has been named as morphogenesis and it is central to a plethora of biological contexts including embryo development, wound healing, or even cancer. Morphogenesis relies in both self-organising properties of the system and in environmental inputs (biochemical and biophysical). The classical view of morphogenesis is based on the study of external biochemical molecules, such as morphogens. However, recent studies are establishing that the mechanical environment is also used by cells to communicate within tissues, suggesting that this mechanical crosstalk is essential to synchronise morphogenetic transitions and self-organisation. In this article we discuss how tissue interaction drive robust morphogenesis, starting from a classical biochemical view, to finalise with more recent advances on how the biophysical properties of a tissue feedback with their surroundings to allow form acquisition. We also comment on how in silico models aid to integrate and predict changes in cell and tissue behaviour. Finally, considering recent advances from the developmental biomechanics field showing that mechanical inputs work as cues that promote morphogenesis, we invite to revisit the concept of morphogen.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12-23
Number of pages12
JournalSeminars in Cell and Developmental Biology
Volume147
Publication statusPublished - 30 Sept 2023
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 37002130

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Biochemical signals, Biomechanical signals, Tissue morphogenesis

Library keywords