Mechanical Control of Cell Differentiation: Insights from the Early Embryo

Differentiation is the process by which a cell activates the expression of tissue-specific genes, downregulates the expression of potency markers, and acquires the phenotypic characteristics of its mature fate. The signals that regulate differentiation include biochemical and mechanical factors within the surrounding microenvironment. We describe recent breakthroughs in our understanding of the mechanical control mechanisms that regulate differentiation, with a specific emphasis on the differentiation events that build the early mouse embryo. Engineering approaches that reproducibly mimic the mechanical regulation of differentiation will permit new insights into early development and applications in regenerative medicine.

Automated summary

Differentiation is the process in which a cell activates specific gene expression, downregulates potency marker expression, and acquires phenotypic characteristics of mature fate, all regulated by biochemical and mechanical factors in the microenvironment. Recent breakthroughs in understanding the mechanical regulation of differentiation in the early mouse embryo are described. Reproducible engineering approaches to mimic mechanical regulation will provide new insights into early development and regenerative medicine applications.