How can genetic information be translated to give specific and different spatial patterns of cellular differentiation? This is an important question in developmental biology. The spatial pattern of cellular behavior is generally considered solely dependent on the gradient of morphogens, which are usually soluble and diffusible chemicals. However, cellular function, e.g., proliferation, is found to be quite different even when cells are a few microns apart. Therefore, it has been proposed that tissue form arises as a result of feedback mechanism through mechanical forces, i.e., the tissue form will affect cellular function via mechanical force.
Volume Subject Area:
Nerem Symposium: Stem Cell Bioengineering
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