A predictive model for coupling cell division orientation to tissue mechanics during epithelial morphogenesis

Area of Science:

• Developmental biology
• Biophysics
• Cell biology

Background:

• Stratified epithelial tissues, like the skin epidermis, rely on cell division, differentiation, and mechanical forces for barrier integrity.
• The orientation of cell division in the basal layer is crucial for tissue stratification during development, but the underlying mechanical principles are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanical and structural consequences of varying cell division orientations in stratified epithelia.
• To understand how mechanical parameters influence cell division outcomes across different developmental stages.

Main Methods:

• Expansion of a three-dimensional vertex model for stratified epithelia (basement membrane, basal, and suprabasal layers).
• Integration of developmental stage through quantified changes in heterotypic interfacial tensions and tissue stiffness.
• Systematic variation of mechanical parameters (heterotypic tension, division orientation, tissue fluidity).

Main Results:

• The study explores how mechanical forces and cell division orientation collectively shape stratified epithelial tissues.
• Identified potential strategies employed by embryos to achieve stratified phenotypes during development.
• The model provides a framework for analyzing the impact of altered division orientation in contexts like cancer.

Conclusions:

• Mechanical principles governing cell division orientation are critical for stratified tissue development.
• Understanding these principles can illuminate embryonic development and potentially inform cancer research.
• The developed model offers a versatile tool for studying epithelial morphogenesis and disease.