Surface tension determines tissue shape and growth kinetics

Abstract

The collective self-organization of cells into three-dimensional structures can give rise to emergent physical properties such as fluid behavior. Here, we demonstrate that tissues growing on curved surfaces develop shapes with outer boundaries of constant mean curvature, similar to the energy minimizing forms of liquids wetting a surface. The amount of tissue formed depends on the shape of the substrate, with more tissue being deposited on highly concave surfaces, indicating a mechano-biological feedback mechanism. Inhibiting cell-contractility further revealed that active cellular forces are essential for generating sufficient surface stresses for the liquid-like behavior and growth of the tissue. This suggests that the mechanical signaling between cells and their physical environment, along with the continuous reorganization of cells and matrix is a key principle for the emergence of tissue shape.

Monitoring of the Critical Meniscus of Very Low Liquid Volumes Using an Optical Fiber Sensor

“…Thus, at this stage the CMH is not primarily influenced by the radius of the droplet but by the radius of curvature of the meniscus forming on the fiber, as described by the Young-Laplace equation. This equation gives a result for the capillary pressure which is inversely proportional to the surface curvature of liquid [28], which also depends on the sample volume and the surface area [29]. A figure similar to Fig.…”

Microcarriers for Upscaling Cultured Meat Production

“…In addition to topography, curvature should also be carefully defined since it has been shown to affect the speed (32) as well as the direction and the persistence of hMSCs migration (33). Although other studies have also reported effects of curvature on several cell types including fibroblasts (31,95), osteoblastic cells (96,97) and MSCs (31)(32)(33), there is a lack of information regarding satellite cells, thus further investigation is still needed. With the increasing development of tools for the fabrication of micro-curved surfaces, more systematic and precise studies should be possible (98).…”

The Emergence of Complexity from a Simple Model for Tissue Growth

“…The important influence of geometrical constraints on the evolution and the equilibrium configurations is well accepted in the context of physical systems. The role of geometrical constraints to influence or even to guide biological processes is also starting to emerge [68][69][70][71][72]. In a biological context the role of geometrical constraints goes beyond what was explored for physical systems.…”