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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Three and Four-Dimensional Visualization and Analysis Approaches to Study Vertebrate Axial Elongation and Segmentation
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Convergent extension in mammalian morphogenesis.

Ann Sutherland1, Raymond Keller2, Alyssa Lesko1

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.

Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|November 18, 2019
PubMed
Summary

Convergent extension drives vertebrate body elongation and tissue shaping through coordinated cell behaviors. This review explores the cellular mechanisms and molecular regulation of this fundamental morphogenetic process.

Keywords:
Axial elongationConvergent extensionGastrulationMorphogenesisMousePlanar cell polarity

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Morphogenesis

Background:

  • Convergent extension is crucial for forming the elongated vertebrate body plan from a radially symmetrical embryo.
  • Tissue shape changes during development result from coordinated cell behaviors influenced by tissue physical properties.
  • Mediolateral cell intercalation is a primary mechanism, but other cellular actions also contribute to tissue distortion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the cellular basis of convergent extension.
  • To explore the regulation of convergent extension at the molecular level.
  • To discuss how diverse cell behaviors contribute to tissue morphogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on convergent extension.
  • Analysis of cellular mechanisms driving tissue shape changes.
  • Examination of molecular regulation and planar cell polarization.

Main Results:

  • Mediolateral cell intercalation is a key, but not exclusive, mechanism for convergent extension.
  • Various cell behaviors, beyond intercalation, can shape tissues.
  • Planar cell polarization is recognized as a regulatory mechanism, though molecular details are still emerging.

Conclusions:

  • Convergent extension is a complex process involving multiple cell behaviors and regulatory pathways.
  • Further molecular investigation is needed to fully understand the regulation of tissue morphogenesis via planar cell polarization.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for comprehending embryonic development and tissue engineering.