Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Drives Three-Dimensional Morphogenesis in Mammalian Early Development

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Mammalian embryonic development involves dynamic cellular shape changes, including epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) and mesenchymal-epithelial transitions (METs).
• The precise role of these EMTs in shaping the three-dimensional (3-D) architecture of the developing mammalian embryo remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a model explaining how cellular morphogenesis, driven by epithelialization status changes, organizes the early mammalian embryo's 3-D structure.
• To highlight the integration of pluripotency regulation, morphogenetic signaling, and biomechanical forces in embryonic organization.

Main Methods:

• This is a review presenting a conceptual model.
• The model integrates existing knowledge on pluripotency, signaling pathways, and biomechanics in early development.

Main Results:

• Cellular morphogenesis, particularly dynamic changes in epithelialization, is proposed as the primary force behind embryonic 3-D organization.
• The model emphasizes the interplay of pluripotency, morphogenetic signaling, and anisotropic biomechanical forces.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic changes in epithelialization status are fundamental to embryonic 3-D organization.
• Investigating molecular regulation of epithelial cell polarity and partial EMT/MET is crucial for understanding mammalian early development.