The spatial arrangement of tissues during development establishes regions of tissue-tissue interactions. While such interactions are prominent during gastrulation and organogenesis, how they guide morphogenesis remains unclear. Here, using Xenopus animal cap explants, we show that the coupling between epithelial and mesenchymal tissues is instrumental in robust axis elongation. We find that mesenchymal and epithelial tissues drive elongation hierarchically - the epithelium can elongate independently, while the mesenchyme requires the initial presence of the epithelium. The epithelial-mesenchymal interface defines the direction of cell shape alignment and the axis of tissue elongation. Prior to explant elongation, epithelial cells align and elongate, a process that propagates into the underlying mesenchyme. These findings reveal how tissue interfaces can organize coherent axis elongation without external patterning cues, providing insights into the self-organization principles that guide embryonic morphogenesis.
Epithelial-mesenchymal interface guides cell shapes and axis elongation in embryonic explants
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Development presents…
Development is delighted to host a webinar series showcasing the latest developmental biology and stem cell research. The webinars are held each month with talks from postdocs applying for independent positions as part of our Pathway to Independence programme. Visit Development presents... on the Node to see which stimulating topics are coming up in the next few months.
Meet our 2025 Pathway to Independence (PI) fellows
We are delighted to announce our third cohort of PI fellows - researchers whom we will be supporting as they transition from postdoc to Principal Investigator. Read about the eight talented fellows chosen, whom we're excited to be working with as they navigate the job market.
A case for broadening our view of mechanism in developmental biology
In this Perspective, B. Duygu Özpolat and colleagues survey researchers on their views on what it takes to infer mechanism in developmental biology. They examine what factors shape our idea of what we mean by ‘mechanism’ and suggest a path forward that embraces a broad outlook on the diversity of studies that advance knowledge in our field.
Browse by subject
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From cardiovascular development and regeneration to tissue engineering and organoids, Development’s browse by subject archive allows you to access the latest papers (from late 2024 onwards) on a particular field of interest. In addition to our curated subject collections, these subject pages allow readers to browse a broader range of papers organised by topic.
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