2023/03/03 by Aondoyima Ioratim-Uba, Ioratim-Uba, Aondoyima, Tanniemola B. Liverpool +3 · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Physics and Astronomy · #Biological Physics (physics.bio-ph) #Cellular Mechanics and Interactions #FOS: Physical sciences #Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications #Microtubule and mitosis dynamics #Soft Condensed Matter (cond-mat.soft)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2303.02109
openalex publication_date 2023/03/03 · openalex created_date 2023/03/07 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Convergence extension, the simultaneous elongation of tissue along one axis while narrowing along a perpendicular axis, occurs during embryonic development. A fundamental process that contributes to shaping the organism, it happens in many different species and tissue types. Here we present a minimal continuum model, that can be directly linked to the controlling microscopic biochemistry, which shows spontaneous convergence extension. It is comprised of a 2D viscoelastic active material with a mechano-chemical active feedback mechanism coupled to a substrate via friction. Robust convergent extension behaviour emerges beyond a critical value of the activity parameter and is controlled by the boundary conditions and the coupling to the substrate. Oscillations and spatial patterns emerge in this model when internal dissipation dominates over friction, as well as in the active elastic limit.