Cell lineage-resolved embryonic morphological map reveals signaling associated with cell fate and size asymmetry
Abstract How cells change shape is crucial for the development of tissues, organs and embryos. However, studying these shape changes in detail is challenging. Here we present a comprehensive real-time cellular map that covers over 95% of the cells formed during Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis,...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Nature Communications |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58878-0 |
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| author | Guoye Guan Zelin Li Yiming Ma Pohao Ye Jianfeng Cao Ming-Kin Wong Vincy Wing Sze Ho Lu-Yan Chan Hong Yan Chao Tang Zhongying Zhao |
| author_facet | Guoye Guan Zelin Li Yiming Ma Pohao Ye Jianfeng Cao Ming-Kin Wong Vincy Wing Sze Ho Lu-Yan Chan Hong Yan Chao Tang Zhongying Zhao |
| author_sort | Guoye Guan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract How cells change shape is crucial for the development of tissues, organs and embryos. However, studying these shape changes in detail is challenging. Here we present a comprehensive real-time cellular map that covers over 95% of the cells formed during Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis, featuring nearly 400,000 3D cell regions. This map includes information on each cell’s identity, lineage, fate, shape, volume, surface area, contact area, and gene expression profiles, all accessible through our user-friendly software and website. Our map allows for detailed analysis of key developmental processes, including dorsal intercalation, intestinal formation, and muscle assembly. We show how Notch and Wnt signaling pathways, along with mechanical forces from cell interactions, regulate cell fate decisions and size asymmetries. Our findings suggest that repeated Notch signaling drives size disparities in the large excretory cell, which functions like a kidney. This work sets the stage for in-depth studies of the mechanisms controlling cell fate differentiation and morphogenesis. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e0a0c135271f4e2cb86fa8c2d0aa43a6 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2041-1723 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Nature Communications |
| spelling | doaj-art-e0a0c135271f4e2cb86fa8c2d0aa43a62025-08-20T02:28:09ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232025-04-0116112410.1038/s41467-025-58878-0Cell lineage-resolved embryonic morphological map reveals signaling associated with cell fate and size asymmetryGuoye Guan0Zelin Li1Yiming Ma2Pohao Ye3Jianfeng Cao4Ming-Kin Wong5Vincy Wing Sze Ho6Lu-Yan Chan7Hong Yan8Chao Tang9Zhongying Zhao10Center for Quantitative Biology, Peking UniversityDepartment of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong KongDepartment of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist UniversityDepartment of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist UniversityDepartment of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong KongDepartment of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist UniversityDepartment of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist UniversityDepartment of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist UniversityDepartment of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong KongCenter for Quantitative Biology, Peking UniversityDepartment of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist UniversityAbstract How cells change shape is crucial for the development of tissues, organs and embryos. However, studying these shape changes in detail is challenging. Here we present a comprehensive real-time cellular map that covers over 95% of the cells formed during Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis, featuring nearly 400,000 3D cell regions. This map includes information on each cell’s identity, lineage, fate, shape, volume, surface area, contact area, and gene expression profiles, all accessible through our user-friendly software and website. Our map allows for detailed analysis of key developmental processes, including dorsal intercalation, intestinal formation, and muscle assembly. We show how Notch and Wnt signaling pathways, along with mechanical forces from cell interactions, regulate cell fate decisions and size asymmetries. Our findings suggest that repeated Notch signaling drives size disparities in the large excretory cell, which functions like a kidney. This work sets the stage for in-depth studies of the mechanisms controlling cell fate differentiation and morphogenesis.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58878-0 |
| spellingShingle | Guoye Guan Zelin Li Yiming Ma Pohao Ye Jianfeng Cao Ming-Kin Wong Vincy Wing Sze Ho Lu-Yan Chan Hong Yan Chao Tang Zhongying Zhao Cell lineage-resolved embryonic morphological map reveals signaling associated with cell fate and size asymmetry Nature Communications |
| title | Cell lineage-resolved embryonic morphological map reveals signaling associated with cell fate and size asymmetry |
| title_full | Cell lineage-resolved embryonic morphological map reveals signaling associated with cell fate and size asymmetry |
| title_fullStr | Cell lineage-resolved embryonic morphological map reveals signaling associated with cell fate and size asymmetry |
| title_full_unstemmed | Cell lineage-resolved embryonic morphological map reveals signaling associated with cell fate and size asymmetry |
| title_short | Cell lineage-resolved embryonic morphological map reveals signaling associated with cell fate and size asymmetry |
| title_sort | cell lineage resolved embryonic morphological map reveals signaling associated with cell fate and size asymmetry |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58878-0 |
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