Generic Theoretical Models to Predict Division Patterns of Cleaving Embryos.

TitleGeneric Theoretical Models to Predict Division Patterns of Cleaving Embryos.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsPierre, A, Sallé, J, Wühr, M, Minc, N
JournalDev Cell
Volume39
Issue6
Pagination667-682
Date Published2016 Dec 19
ISSN1878-1551
KeywordsAnimals, Blastomeres, Body Patterning, Cell Division, Cell Polarity, Cleavage Stage, Ovum, Embryo, Nonmammalian, Microtubules, Models, Biological, Sea Urchins, Urochordata, Xenopus, Zebrafish
Abstract

<p>Life for all animals starts with a precise 3D choreography of reductive divisions of the fertilized egg, known as cleavage patterns. These patterns exhibit conserved geometrical features and striking interspecies invariance within certain animal classes. To identify the generic rules that may govern these morphogenetic events, we developed a 3D-modeling framework that iteratively infers blastomere division positions and orientations, and consequent multicellular arrangements. From a minimal set of parameters, our model predicts detailed features of cleavage patterns in the embryos of fishes, amphibians, echinoderms, and ascidians, as well as the genetic and physical perturbations that alter these patterns. This framework demonstrates that a geometrical system based on length-dependent microtubule forces that probe blastomere shape and yolk gradients, biased by cortical polarity domains, may dictate division patterns and overall embryo morphogenesis. These studies thus unravel the default self-organization rules governing early embryogenesis and how they are altered by deterministic regulatory layers.</p>

DOI10.1016/j.devcel.2016.11.018
Alternate JournalDev Cell
PubMed ID27997824
PubMed Central IDPMC5180451
Grant List647073 / ERC_ / European Research Council / International
R01 HD073104 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R01 GM039565 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
647073 / / European Research Council / International
R37 GM039565 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States