PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

2022

Characterization of convergent thickening, a major convergence force producing morphogenic movement in amphibians

Shook DR, Wen JWH, et al.

eLife

University of Virginia, University of Toronto, King's College London, Aduro Biotech

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study characterizes convergent thickening (CT) in Xenopus gastrulation as a major convergence force. Across pre-involution IMZ sectors, CT transitions spatiotemporally and, in ventralized embryos, drives symmetric blastopore closure. Tissue affinity assays and surface tension measurements support a mechanism in which elevated interfacial tension between deep IMZ and epithelium powers CT. Quantitative analyses delineate CT dynamics, mechanical outputs, and their developmental consequences for amphibian morphogenesis.

A CellScale MicroSquisher parallel-plate compression tensiometer was used to apply controlled compression between two plates and quantify tissue surface tension based on the explant/aggregate geometry after a defined stress-relaxation period (3 minutes) and the measured applied force. The MicroSquisher (with SquisherJoy software) enabled extraction of the post-relaxation ellipsoid profile needed to compute surface tension, providing a direct, quantitative readout of tissue mechanical/physical properties that supported the study’s conclusions about changes in tissue interfacial mechanics during development.

AUTHORS

David R. Shook; Jason W. H. Wen; Ana Rolo; Michael O'Hanlon; Brian Francica; Destiny Dobbins; Paul Skoglund; Douglas W. DeSimone; Rudolf Winklbauer; Ray E. Keller.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

eLife

YEAR

2022

INSTITUTIONS

University of Virginia, University of Toronto, King's College London, Aduro Biotech

COUNTRIES

Canada, United Kingdom, United States

INSTRUMENT USED

MicroSquisher

TESTING METHODS

Compression TestingMicro-Mechanical TestingStress Relaxation TestingViscoelastic & Time-Dependent Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

MechanotransductionMicrotissue and Spheroid Mechanics

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