ECM Mechanics in Central Nervous System Morphogenesis

Morphogenesis is crucial to shape tissues and embryos during development and results from a combination of gene expression, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, and mechanical forces. The roles of gene regulation, biochemical signalling, and cell-generated forces have been extensively studied, but little is known about the active role of the ECM and the contribution of extracellular forces in shaping tissues.

In this review, we focus on the recent growing evidence of the direct role of the ECM and mechanics in the morphogenesis of the central nervous system (CNS) and the neural tissues it contains. In particular, we review the different ECM components present in CNS morphogenesis, focusing on those that contribute to its mechanical properties. Furthermore, we discuss how the ECM is regulated during morphogenesis, the extracellular forces that influence the shape of developing tissues, and the new advances in the technologies to study their properties and regulation.

We emphasize the instructive role of the ECM in the morphogenesis of complex tissues, moving beyond the traditional view of a passive substrate. We uncover areas where novel insights could help in bridging existing knowledge gaps, allowing us to better understand development and identify factors involved in developmental malformations.