Role of mechanical forces in body axis elongation: lessons from a small worm (Teresa Ferraro, Sorbonne Université)
amphi Charpak
A key challenge in developmental biology is understanding how complex organisms physically coordinate the evolution of their body shape (morphogenesis). In particular, body-axis elongation constitutes a crucial step in animal development, laying out the final form of the entire organism. Understanding how mechanical forces influence morphogenesis at the cellular and molecular levels remains a major challenge. We illustrate key aspects of body-axis elongation using a small worm as an animal model (Caenorhabditis elegans). Through a multidisciplinary approach that combines experimental biology and biophysics, we discuss the role of tension generated by muscle activity in promoting organismal growth. Modeling shows that a mechanical viscoplastic deformation process can account for embryo shape stabilization. Moreover, mechanical forces are shown to play a role in triggering biochemical cascades.