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Osmotic gradients induce stable dome morphogenesis on extracellular matrix
Sumire Ishida-Ishihara1, Masakazu Akiyama2, Kazuya Furusawa1,3
1Department of Advanced Transdisciplinary Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10-W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan.
Journal of Cell Science
|June 25, 2020
Summary
Dome formation in morphogenesis is driven by osmotic gradients and extracellular matrix (ECM) swelling. Aquaporin water transport activity and cell stretching contribute to stable dome development in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Morphogenesis involves complex processes like dome formation, with underlying mechanisms not fully understood.
- Previous in vitro studies identified osmotic gradients as key drivers of dome formation.
- Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in providing structural support during morphogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in osmotic gradient-induced dome formation.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which ECM swelling contributes to stable dome development in vitro.
- To explore the interplay between cell stretching and water transport in dome morphogenesis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro experiments utilizing extracellular matrix (ECM) under basal hypertonic stress.
- Analysis of ECM swelling and dome formation dynamics.
- Computer simulations to model the feedback mechanisms involved.
- Investigating aquaporin water transport activity.
Main Results:
- Basal hypertonic stress induced stable in vitro domes in the presence of ECM.
- Dome formation was attributed to ECM swelling mediated by aquaporin water transport.
- Computer simulations revealed uneven swelling, driven by a positive feedback loop between cell stretching and water transport, as a cause of dome formation.
Conclusions:
- Osmotic gradients are crucial for dome morphogenesis.
- Extracellular matrix (ECM) swelling, facilitated by aquaporin water transport, is a key mechanism in dome formation.
- A positive feedback loop between cell stretching and enhanced water transport contributes to stable dome development.
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