Spatiotemporal mapping of the contractile and adhesive forces sculpting early C. elegans embryos
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Embryo shape is determined by individual cell mechanics, intercellular interaction strength, and geometrical constraints. Models based on surface tensions at cell interfaces can predict 3D static cellular arrangements within aggregates. However, predicting the dynamics of such arrangements is challenging due to difficulties in measuring temporal changes in tensions. Here, we characterise the spatiotemporal changes in cellular tensions shaping the early nematode embryo using AFM, live microscopy, and tension inference. Using excoriated embryos, we validate a hybrid inference pipeline that calibrates relative inferred tensions temporally using cortical myosin enrichment and absolute tensions using AFM measurements. Applied to embryos within their native shell, we infer a spatiotemporal map of absolute tensions, revealing that ABa, ABp, and EMS compaction is driven by increased tension at free surfaces, while P2's initial exclusion is due to high tension at intercellular contacts. We uncover a direct and non-affine contribution of cadherins to cell-cell contact tension, comparable to cadherins' indirect contribution via actomyosin regulation.
Source: Developmental Cell
Institutions: Kanagawa Institute of Technology, Hokkaido University, London Centre for Nanotechnology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, University College London, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Inserm, Collège de France, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Biologie, The Francis Crick Institute
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $10,400
Funders: Uehara Memorial Foundation, Wellcome Trust, Francis Crick Institute, Cancer Research UK, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science London, European Commission, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Collège de France, National Institutes of Health, Medical Research Council, European Research Council, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Office of Research Infrastructure Programs, National Institutes of Health, Institute of Genetics
OpenAlex ID: W7162032420