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Supracellular Mechanics and Counter-Rotational Bilateral Flows Orchestrate Posterior Morphogenesis
Geneva Masak1, Lance A Davidson1,2,3,4
1Integrative Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|December 3, 2025
Summary
A novel ventral extracellular matrix (ECM) network in Xenopus laevis tailbud development acts as a crucial scaffold. This ECM network regulates posterior tissue rotation, demonstrating the interplay between ECM organization, mechanics, and morphogenetic flow.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- The Xenopus laevis tailbud is a key morphogenetic engine after gastrulation.
- Understanding the mechanical forces driving tailbud development is crucial for comprehending embryonic morphogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the large-scale tissue flows during Xenopus laevis tailbud development.
- To identify the molecular and mechanical factors regulating posterior tissue rotation.
Main Methods:
- Live imaging and quantitative flow analysis to track tissue movements.
- High-resolution confocal microscopy to visualize extracellular matrix (ECM) components.
- Perturbation experiments to assess the role of cell proliferation, intercalation, and ECM integrity.
Main Results:
- Observed large-scale, counter-rotational tissue flows flanking the blastopore during tailbud stages.
- Identified a ventral ECM network, including fibronectin and laminin fibrils, radiating from the blastopore.
- Demonstrated that disruption of ventral ECM integrity severely impairs posterior tissue rotation, while other factors do not.
Conclusions:
- A previously unrecognized ventral ECM network is critical for regulating posterior tissue rotation in Xenopus laevis.
- This study highlights the significant interplay between ECM organization, tissue mechanics, and morphogenetic flow in tailbud development.
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