Work

Break to build: fracture as a unifying morphogenetic strategy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Fracture - the initiation and propagation of cracks - has long been associated with structural failure. However, active living tissues often harness fracture as a controlled morphogenetic tool due to their unique capacities to self-organise and self-repair. In this Review, we highlight how fractures are actively interpreted, integrated and functionalised within developmental programmes to sculpt tissues across scales and species. We connect core concepts from fracture mechanics, such as stress concentration, energy release and fatigue, to biological contexts, showing how tissues actively adapt these principles by remodelling their adhesion, cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix. From reversible epithelial tears to permanent organismal fission, we discuss examples in which fracture contributes to morphogenesis, homeostasis, reproduction and egress. Further, we argue for an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how fractures emerge and drive morphogenetic transitions.

Source: Development

DOI: 10.1242/dev.205136

Authors: Daniel Santos-Oliván, Christopher J. J. Chan, Alejandro Torres-Sánchez, Rashmi Priya

Institutions: European Molecular Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute

Language: English

Topic: Cellular Mechanics and Interactions

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid