RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Structural redundancy in supracellular actomyosin networks enables robust tissue folding
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 530816
DO 10.1101/530816
A1 Hannah G. Yevick
A1 Pearson W. Miller
A1 Jörn Dunkel
A1 Adam C. Martin
YR 2019
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2019/02/07/530816.abstract
AB Tissue morphogenesis is strikingly reproducible. Yet, how tissues are robustly sculpted, even under challenging conditions, is unknown. Here, we combined network analysis, experimental perturbations, and computational modeling to determine how network connectivity between hundreds of contractile cells on the ventral side of the Drosophila embryo ensures robust tissue folding. We identified two network properties that mechanically promote robustness. First, redundant supracellular cytoskeletal network paths ensure global connectivity, even with network degradation. By forming many more connections than are required, morphogenesis is not disrupted by local network damage, analogous to the way redundancy guarantees the large-scale function of vasculature and transportation networks. Second, directional stiffening of edges oriented orthogonal to the folding axis promotes furrow formation at lower contractility levels. Structural redundancy and directional network stiffening ensure robust tissue folding with proper orientation.