Computable early Caenorhabditis elegans embryo with a phase field model

Area of Science:

• Developmental biology
• Biophysics
• Computational biology

Background:

• Morphogenesis is a complex process involving cell proliferation and migration during embryogenesis.
• While molecular mechanisms are known, the integrated role of cell division and migration in driving morphogenesis at organismal levels remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a computational model simulating early embryonic morphogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans.
• To investigate the interplay between cell proliferation, migration, and physical forces in shaping embryonic development.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a phase field model to simulate early embryonic morphogenesis within a confined eggshell.
• Incorporated physical data from 3D time-lapse cellular imaging of Caenorhabditis elegans cell division.

Main Results:

• The model accurately reproduced in vivo early morphogenesis, including cell location and morphology dynamics.
• Identified critical cell-cell attractions essential for Caenorhabditis elegans embryo development.
• Demonstrated the collaborative role of genetic programming and physical forces in driving morphogenesis.

Conclusions:

• The developed phase field model provides a predictive tool for understanding embryonic morphogenesis.
• Highlights the synergistic interaction between genetic factors and physical forces in developmental processes.
• Offers insights into the fundamental mechanisms underlying metazoan embryogenesis.