Discrete Mesh Approach in Morphogenesis Modelling: the Example of Gastrulation

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Biophysics
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Morphogenesis involves processes generating tissue shapes and cellular organization.
• Gastrulation, a key embryonic process, involves significant tissue remodeling.
• Understanding early embryogenesis requires robust modeling of cellular behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the link between apical constriction and ventral furrow invagination initiation.
• To model the early stages of Drosophila melanogaster embryogenesis using a biomechanical approach.
• To explore the role of embryo geometry in morphogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Developed a 3D biomechanical model of the Drosophila melanogaster embryo.
• Utilized the finite element method for simulations.
• Modeled cells as elastic hexahedron contours with attached neighbors, applying contractile forces.

Main Results:

• Invagination initiates at the ventral curved extremities and propagates medially.
• The 'pill-shaped' geometry of the embryo is identified as a key factor in directing invagination.
• Simulations with spherical geometry (Xenopus laevis) show different invagination patterns.

Conclusions:

• The specific shape of the Drosophila melanogaster embryo uniquely drives ventral furrow invagination.
• Apical constriction and embryo geometry are critical for initiating gastrulation.
• Further research will explore the impact of cell proliferation on furrow closure.