Mechanochemical Active Feedback Generates Convergence Extension in Epithelial Tissue

Physical Review Letters, vol. 131, pp. 238301

Abstract

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 mechanochemical active feedback mechanism coupled to a substrate via friction. Robust convergent extension behavior 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.

Authors 3

1. Aondoyima Ioratim-Uba

   University of Bristol

   Affiliation as printed

   School of Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UG, United Kingdom

2. Tanniemola B. Liverpool

   University of Bristol

   Affiliation as printed

   School of Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UG, United Kingdom

3. Silke Henkes Aachen Lorentz Institute for Theoretical Physics

   Leiden University · University of Bristol

   Affiliation as printed

   Lorentz Institute for Theoretical Physics, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 CA, The Netherlands

   School of Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UG, United Kingdom