An integrated vertex model of the mesoderm invagination during the embryonic development of Drosophila

TL;DR

This paper presents an integrated vertex model of Drosophila mesoderm invagination, highlighting the roles of cellular forces, tension gradients, and mechanical feedback in tissue morphogenesis.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel vertex model combining morphogen regulation with cell mechanics to simulate mesoderm invagination.

Findings

Successful furrow formation requires specific tension gradients.

Mechanical feedback can induce ectopic twist expression.

External compression may trigger ectopic invagination.

Abstract

The mesoderm invagination of the Drosophila embryo is known as an archetypal morphogenic process. To explore the roles of the active cellular forces and the regulation of these forces, we developed an integrated vertex model that combines the regulation of morphogen expression with cell movements and tissue mechanics. Our results suggest that a successful furrow formation requires an apical tension gradient, decreased basal tension, and increased lateral tension, which corresponds to apical constriction, basal expansion, and apicobasal shortening respectively. Our model also considers the mechanical feedback which leads to an ectopic twist expression with external compression as observed in experiments. Our model predicts that ectopic invagination could happen if an external compressive gradient is applied.