Extra-embryonic tissue spreading directs early embryo morphogenesis in killifish.

ABSTRACT: The spreading of mesenchymal-like cell layers is critical for embryo morphogenesis and tissue repair, yet we know little of this process in vivo. Here we take advantage of unique developmental features of the non-conventional annual killifish embryo to study the principles underlying tissue spreading in a simple cellular environment, devoid of patterning signals and major morphogenetic cell movements. Using in vivo experimentation and physical modelling we reveal that the extra-embryonic epithelial enveloping cell layer, thought mainly to provide protection to the embryo, directs cell migration and the spreading of embryonic tissue during early development. This function relies on the ability of embryonic cells to couple their autonomous random motility to non-autonomous signals arising fr

SUBMITTER: Reig G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5465322 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature