Spatial patterning of energy metabolism during tissue morphogenesis

Biophysical signaling organizes forces to drive tissue morphogenesis, a process co-opted during disease progression. The systematic buildup of forces at the tissue scale is energetically demanding. Just as mechanical forces, gene expression, and concentrations of morphogens vary spatially across a developing tissue, there might similarly be spatial variations in energy consumption. Recent studies have started to uncover the connections between spatial patterns of mechanical forces and spatial patterns of energy metabolism. Here, we define and review the concept of energy metabolism during tissue morphogenesis. We highlight experiments showing spatial variations in energy metabolism across several model systems, categorized by morphogenetic motif, including convergent extension, branching, and migration. Finally, we discuss approaches to further enable quantitative measurements of energy production and consumption during morphogenesis.

Automated summary

Biophysical signaling is crucial for tissue morphogenesis, requiring a significant amount of energy. Recent studies have shown spatial variations in energy metabolism, correlating with patterns of mechanical forces. This review defines and discusses the concept of energy metabolism during tissue morphogenesis, highlighting its spatial variations across different model systems and proposing methods for quantitative measurements of energy production and consumption.