# Biomechanics of Morphogenesis

> **NIH NIH R37** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $402,550

## Abstract

Project Summary:
Physical mechanical processes are central to the morphogenesis of embryos and their organs. The
goal of this proposal is to apply a multi-scale analysis of the mechanics of convergent extension, identifying
biomechanical mechanisms that establish passive tissue properties such as stiffness as well as active
processes that generate forces of extension, regulate cell behaviors and tissue deformation, and how passive
mechanics and active force generating processes are coordinated within the frog embryo. Studies outlined in
this proposal will answer: (1) What are the molecular regulators of cell cortex mechanics and cell shape
change during dorsal axis elongation? We previously identified a form of "mechanical maturation" as cells
transition from undifferentiated progenitor to early ectodermal, mesodermal, or endodermal cell. To answer this
question we will identify regulators and test their role in cell cortex density and cell shape to elasticity and force
production. (2) How is force production coordinated from early to late elongation? Simulations and live-imaging
suggest cooperativity between anisotropic tissue tension and polarization of the cytoskeleton, "cytoskeletal
focusing". To answer this question we will quantify emergent focusing of actomyosin dynamics and test roles
for actin polymerization and myosin transport in elongation. (3) What is the role of mechanical strain energy in
sustaining convergent extension? Preliminary data reveals the existence of "mechanical memory" in dorsal
tissues to store and use mechanical strain energy during convergent extension. This aim will quantify
mechanical memory and the role of strain energy loss, e.g. strain energy dissipation in axis elongation. Results
from this project will complement ongoing efforts to identify the molecular regulators of morphogenesis by
providing a conceptual framework developing new hypotheses of morphogenesis and bioengineering tools to
test them. The significance of our work provides researchers a more complete understanding of the
contribution of cell- and tissue-mechanics to development, to understand the role of tissue mechanics in
oncogenesis, and to provide fundamental physical principles for future functional tissue engineers.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10884441
- **Project number:** 5R37HD044750-16
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** LANCE A. DAVIDSON
- **Activity code:** R37 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $402,550
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2005-07-01 → 2027-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10884441

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10884441, Biomechanics of Morphogenesis (5R37HD044750-16). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10884441. Licensed CC0.

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