Mechanics of the cellular microenvironment as probed by cells in vivo during zebrafish presomitic mesoderm differentiation

Abstract

Tissue morphogenesis, homoeostasis and repair require cells to constantly monitor their three-dimensional microenvironment and adapt their behaviours in response to local biochemical and mechanical cues. Yet the mechanical parameters of the cellular microenvironment probed by cells in vivo remain unclear. Here, we report the mechanics of the cellular microenvironment that cells probe in vivo and in situ during zebrafish presomitic mesoderm differentiation. By quantifying both endogenous cell-generated strains and tissue mechanics, we show that individual cells probe the stiffness associated with deformations of the supracellular, foam-like tissue architecture. Stress relaxation leads to a perceived microenvironment stiffness that decreases over time, with cells probing the softest regime. We find that most mechanical parameters, including those probed by cells, vary along the anteroposterior axis as mesodermal progenitors differentiate. These findings expand our understanding of in vivo mechanosensation and might aid the design of advanced scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.

A Novel Mechanical Property Self‐Characterizing Hydrogel Fabricated with Aggregation Induced Fluorescence Emission Molecule

“…Many diseases are believed to be associated with cellular microenvironment mechanical properties changes. [1][2][3][4][5][6] For instance, tumor migration is influenced by mechanical parameters in the cellular microenvironment. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] The extracellular matrix (ECM), as an important component of the cellular microenvironment, is a crucial factor affecting cellular activities.…”

Exploring Mechanical Responses of Cells to Geometric Information Using Micropatterned DNA-Based Molecular Tension Probes

“…1−3 The cellular microenvironment in situ, as found within organs or tissues, is intricately structured and plays a pivotal role in dictating the cell structure, mechanics, polarity, and function. 4,5 However, in conventional cell culture settings, such as a culture dish, cells develop randomly with undefined geometry, which poses a challenge in studying the interplay between geometric information and cell behavior.…”

“…Cell geometry, with its attributes like shape and size, has a profound influence on a variety of cell functions, including but not limited to cell adhesion, proliferation, stem cell differentiation, and gene expression. − The cellular microenvironment in situ , as found within organs or tissues, is intricately structured and plays a pivotal role in dictating the cell structure, mechanics, polarity, and function. , However, in conventional cell culture settings, such as a culture dish, cells develop randomly with undefined geometry, which poses a challenge in studying the interplay between geometric information and cell behavior.…”

Mechanobiology of Ferroptotic Cancer Cells as a Novel “Eat‐Me” Signal: Regulating Efferocytosis through Layer‐by‐Layer Coating

“…[10] Autologous apoptotic cells transplantation has already found use in transplant tolerance. [11] Recent research has highlighted a growing interest in the physical characteristics of both the substrate [12][13][14] and the target, [15] which may potentially influence the engulfment process. It has been demonstrated that the mechanical characteristics of particles can influence their uptake, with the efficiency of uptake increasing in tandem with Young's modulus.…”