Thanks for reading. For more such #EpithelialMechanics threads check out our website: buff.ly/9n88i4y

More generally, we reviewed how epithelial mechanics drive tissue architecture in
physiology, and how this mechanical cues go awry in cancer here: buff.ly/Z3q2wy6

For those interested in how epithelial geometry/architecture affects cancers, from
tumorigenesis to metastatic spread, we reviewed this nascent field here: buff.ly/tCCChoJ

These mechanical consequences of tumour architecture may further impact cancer
cell biology, even at the DNA level. Dysregulated tensions can cause errors in
chromosome segregation, and contribute to genomic instability in an incipient lesion.
buff.ly/pSVSOly

The interfacial geometry of the epithelium has direct mechanical effects on cancer
cells. In regions of higher tension, cancer cells acquire stem cell properties. This was
demonstrated in 3D cultures of multiples shapes using melanoma cells. @kriskilian.bsky.social
buff.ly/GYlyEBH

From early stages of skin carcinogenesis, benign basal carcinomas secrete de novo
basement membrane (BM) components and acquire bud shapes. Malignant
squamous carcinomas don’t secrete BM proteins and acquire fold shapes.
@ElaineFuchsLab

Malignant transformation triggers hyperproliferation within a confined space. The geometric characteristics of ductal epithelia such as pancreatic ducts will determine whether a tumor can grow into the lumen or outwards. @behrens_lab buff.ly/5g6oyOV

Thanks for reading. For more such #EpithelialMechanics threads check out our website:
buff.ly/LImHyPw

Understanding how cells integrate different types of information to pattern a tissue is fundamental to our understanding of multicellular dynamics. Open questions remain in the directions of signaling dynamics, mechano-chemical processes & self-organization.

In many developmental systems, cells don’t read out pre-established gradients, but interact to self-organize shapes. How can we quantify the information in self-organized patterns? We recently proposed how to measure the total information in a pattern.

buff.ly/4AWd5Hk

Beyond the fly, many other systems are controlled by morphogens. The patterning of the vertebrate neural tube is controlled by two opposing gradients, which together provide high spatial precision for cell decisions.

buff.ly/oGeaTex

For a comprehensive review on the history, concept, and mathematics of PI, check out “The many bits of positional information” by Gasper Tkacik and @thomasgregor.bsky.social.

buff.ly/61xmO7O

Could one measure the information in such gradients? Combining imaging and information theory, @thomasgregor.bsky.social, William Bialek & Co. measured 4.2 bits of PI in the early fly gap genes (downstream of Bicoid) – enough for each cell to infer its position.

buff.ly/61xmO7O