The ECM moves during primitive streak formation—Computation of ECM versus cellular motion
2008
The ECM Moves during Primitive Streak Formation
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Zamir Evan A, Rongish Brenda J, Little Charles D
Primary Institution: The University of Kansas Medical Center
Hypothesis
How do embryonic cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix move relative to each other during primitive streak formation?
Conclusion
The study concludes that both embryonic cells and the extracellular matrix move together as a tissue during primitive streak formation.
Supporting Evidence
- The extracellular matrix and epiblastic cells exhibit coordinated movements during primitive streak formation.
- Time-lapse data show that the motion of the extracellular matrix is similar to that of the epiblastic cells.
- The study challenges previous models that attributed cellular movement solely to cell migration.
Takeaway
When embryos develop, the cells and the stuff around them move together, like a dance, instead of the cells just moving on their own.
Methodology
The study used time-lapse microscopy to observe the movements of cells and the extracellular matrix in avian embryos during primitive streak formation.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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