Embryonic development involves an interplay between growth factor signaling interactions together with mechanical cues from adjacent cells/tissues and the matrix. Together, these molecular and biophysical cues determine growth, patterning, morphogenesis and cell fate. Modulation of mechanical signals can also be used to direct stem cell differentiation. Thus, an understanding of the interplay between mechanics and cell signaling is essential to understand both embryonic development and for manipulation of stem cells during regenerative processes.
Significant advances have been made in our understanding of the genetic and growth factor signaling regulation of developmental processes and stem cell differentiation. However, the precise roles of mechanical signals and how these integrate with molecular signals, remains to be determined.
This Research Topic calls for primary research papers and reviews with a focus on how mechanical signals regulate embryonic development and stem cell behaviors. The aim is to highlight how different types of extrinsic mechanical cues determine cellular and morphogenetic processes in different animal models and in vitro systems, and how these mechanical cues are interpreted intracellularly to direct specific cellular responses.
Embryonic development involves an interplay between growth factor signaling interactions together with mechanical cues from adjacent cells/tissues and the matrix. Together, these molecular and biophysical cues determine growth, patterning, morphogenesis and cell fate. Modulation of mechanical signals can also be used to direct stem cell differentiation. Thus, an understanding of the interplay between mechanics and cell signaling is essential to understand both embryonic development and for manipulation of stem cells during regenerative processes.
Significant advances have been made in our understanding of the genetic and growth factor signaling regulation of developmental processes and stem cell differentiation. However, the precise roles of mechanical signals and how these integrate with molecular signals, remains to be determined.
This Research Topic calls for primary research papers and reviews with a focus on how mechanical signals regulate embryonic development and stem cell behaviors. The aim is to highlight how different types of extrinsic mechanical cues determine cellular and morphogenetic processes in different animal models and in vitro systems, and how these mechanical cues are interpreted intracellularly to direct specific cellular responses.
