Spatial mapping of tissue properties in vivo reveals a 3D stiffness gradient in the mouse limb bud.

ABSTRACT: Numerous hypotheses invoke tissue stiffness as a key parameter that regulates morphogenesis and disease progression. However, current methods are insufficient to test hypotheses that concern physical properties deep in living tissues. Here we introduce, validate, and apply a magnetic device that generates a uniform magnetic field gradient within a space that is sufficient to accommodate an organ-stage mouse embryo under live conditions. The method allows rapid, nontoxic measurement of the three-dimensional (3D) spatial distribution of viscoelastic properties within mesenchyme and epithelia. Using the device, we identify an anteriorly biased mesodermal stiffness gradient along which cells move to shape the early limb bud. The stiffness gradient corresponds to a Wnt5a-dependent domain of fib

SUBMITTER: Zhu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7060671 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature