The extracellular matrix in tissue morphogenesis: No longer a backseat driver

María-Del-Carmen Díaz-de-la-Loza; Brian M Stramer

doi:10.1016/j.cdev.2023.203883

The extracellular matrix in tissue morphogenesis: No longer a backseat driver

Cells Dev. 2024 Mar:177:203883. doi: 10.1016/j.cdev.2023.203883. Epub 2023 Nov 6.

Authors

María-Del-Carmen Díaz-de-la-Loza¹, Brian M Stramer²

Affiliations

¹ Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK.
² Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK. Electronic address: brian.m.stramer@kcl.ac.uk.

PMID: 37935283
DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2023.203883

Abstract

The forces driving tissue morphogenesis are thought to originate from cellular activities. While it is appreciated that extracellular matrix (ECM) may also be involved, ECM function is assumed to be simply instructive in modulating the cellular behaviors that drive changes to tissue shape. However, there is increasing evidence that the ECM may not be the passive player portrayed in developmental biology textbooks. In this review we highlight examples of embryonic ECM dynamics that suggest cell-independent activity, along with developmental processes during which localized ECM alterations and ECM-autonomous forces are directing changes to tissue shape. Additionally, we discuss experimental approaches to unveil active ECM roles during tissue morphogenesis. We propose that it may be time to rethink our general definition of morphogenesis as a cellular-driven phenomenon and incorporate an underappreciated, and surprisingly dynamic ECM.

Keywords: Basement membrane; Extracellular matrix; Morphogenesis; Tissue mechanics; Wound healing.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Extracellular Matrix*
Morphogenesis

Grants and funding

WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom