Multi-scale Integration of Forces during Morphogenesis: Quantification and Mechanical Modeling Approaches

Abstract

Embryonic development involves important shape and volume transformations of tissues or organs that occur as a result of different cellular processes, such as cell division, shape change, rearrangement, and apoptosis. These processes are tightly linked with the mechanical forces exerted by cells. Here, we present methods to quantify tissue deformation and mechanical forces. Moreover, we propose a continuum model to decipher tissue mechanics based on the mechanical nature of cells, which correlates with the quantified deformation and forces. These will provide useful tools for understanding the mechanical control of morphogenesis.