Article: Coupling of cell shape, matrix and tissue dynamics ensures embryonic patterning robustness

Tissue patterning in developing embryos relies on the coordination between cellular dynamics and fate specification. While cell fate is determined by gene regulatory networks and signaling pathways, cellular behaviors drive the formation of well-structured tissues. As development progresses, similar cells differentiate into heterogeneous populations, refining tissue patterns and generating sharp boundaries through rearrangement and sorting. However, how these mechanisms adapt to variations in embryo size and geometry remains an open question.

In this study, the team systematically examined cellular dynamics, cell positioning, polarity, and fate to uncover the mechanisms governing epiblast/primitive endoderm segregation. They focused on the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in guiding primitive endoderm migration and ensuring robust patterning in mammalian embryos, despite developmental variability.

Paper Information

Moghe, P., Belousov, R., Ichikawa, T., Iwatani, C., Tsukiyama, T., Erzberger, A., & Hiiragi, T. (2025). Coupling of cell shape, matrix and tissue dynamics ensures embryonic patterning robustness. Nature cell biology. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-025-01618-9