Integrating Cellular Dimensions with Cell Differentiation During Early Development

Overview

Journal Curr Opin Cell Biol

Publisher Elsevier

Specialty Cell Biology

Date 2020 Nov 5

PMID 33152556

Citations 4

Authors

Hui Chen

Wenchao Qian

Matthew C Good

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Early embryo development is characterized by alteration of cellular dimensions and fating of blastomeres. An emerging concept is that cell size and shape drive cellular differentiation during early embryogenesis in a variety of model organisms. In this review, we summarize recent advances that elucidate the contribution of the physical dimensions of a cell to major embryonic transitions and cell fate specification in vivo. We also highlight techniques and newly evolving methods for manipulating the sizes and shapes of cells and whole embryos in situ and ex vivo. Finally, we provide an outlook for addressing fundamental questions in the field and more broadly uncovering how changes to cell size control decision making in a variety of biological contexts.

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