PgmNr D1013: Investigating patterns of cell interactions during epithelial folding.

Authors:
Hannah G. Yevick 1 ; Norbert Stoop 2 ; Jörn Dunkel 2 ; Adam Martin 1


Institutes
1) MIT Biology, Cambridge, MA; 2) MIT Mathematics, Cambridge, MA.


Keyword: cytoskeleton

Abstract:

Correct tissue shape is essential for proper tissue function. How groups of hundreds or even thousands of cells coordinate to yield stereotypic shape change through large-scale movements is still poorly understood. One way for cells to interact is through direct mechanical coupling. In fact, largescale networks of actomyosin connections, linking across neighboring cells are present in a wide range of developing tissues across various model organisms. The Drosophila ventral furrow represents one such system for studying supracellular networks. During furrow formation cells coordinate constrictions to yield tissue-wide bending. The tissue possesses a dynamic myosin network which fully forms prior to folding. Little is known, however, how mechanical information in the network guides reproducible tissue constriction. We have developed a novel approach, integrating mathematical concepts from topological feature analysis and network theory to map the previously unquantifiable myosin network across hundreds of cells in the developing ventral furrow tissue. Our approach aims to identify a novel unit of cooperation between the cell and the tissue scale over which cells synchronize. We have identified an initial growth phase and a subsequent contractile phase in the network. Our framework allows us to explore how geometric and topological patterns in the myosin network inform tissue-level constriction.