Shining a light on extracellular matrix dynamics in vivo
1Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciênca, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal; Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstraße 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden, Germany.
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|May 25, 2021
Summary
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is dynamic during development, not just a stable scaffold. Live-imaging reveals how ECM dynamics influence tissue shaping (morphogenesis) and offers future research directions.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) traditionally viewed as a static structural component in tissue development.
- Emerging evidence suggests ECM exhibits dynamic behaviors during embryonic development.
- Live-imaging techniques are crucial for observing these dynamic ECM processes in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent insights into the dynamic nature of the ECM during development.
- To explore how ECM dynamics (deposition, degradation, turnover, rearrangement) influence morphogenesis.
- To discuss future research directions and the role of live-imaging in studying ECM dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature focusing on live-imaging of fluorescently tagged ECM proteins.
- Analysis of studies across diverse model organisms to understand conserved ECM dynamics.
- Synthesis of findings on mechanisms linking ECM dynamics to developmental processes.
Main Results:
- Live-imaging reveals dynamic ECM deposition, degradation, turnover, and rearrangement in developing tissues.
- These dynamic ECM processes play active roles in guiding morphogenesis.
- The ECM is not merely a passive substrate but an active participant in developmental signaling and mechanics.
Conclusions:
- The dynamic nature of the ECM is critical for morphogenesis during development.
- Live-imaging provides unprecedented views into ECM behavior and its functional significance.
- Future research should leverage advanced live-imaging to further elucidate ECM-morphogenesis interactions.
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