Mechanical regulation of cell fate

We propose that, much like the intricate flows observed in atmospheric and oceanic systems, hidden material surfaces called Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCSs) play a crucial role in organizing cellular dynamics and patterns during morphogenesis, serving as a unique form of embryonic boundaries. By employing dynamical systems and control theory, we aim to develop a method to detect LCSs from sparse cell tracking data during the process of zebrafish gastrulation. Our focus will be on multicellular repellers, which are LCSs that compartmentalize the embryo at very early stages, potentially segregating cells before they develop distinct transcriptional profiles. This approach will enable us to uncover mechanical changes occurring across repellers, which may serve as upstream regulators of cell identity.

Models: zebrafish

Collaborators

Maria Almuedo-Castillo, Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology, ES.

Mattia Serra, University California San Diego, USA.