STUDIES IN DEVELOPMENTAL CYTOMECHANIC

One of the most promising trends in modern developmental and cell biol ogy, recently defined as <<cyto>> or <<morphomechanics>>, is directed towards revealing the role of mechanical stresses, chemomechanical tra nsduction and active stress responses of cells antissues of developing embryos. We review here the results obtained in this field by our res earch group and compare them with those from other labs. Our studies r elate to the buds of hydroid polypes and to amphibian embryos. We desc ribe the space-temporal patterns of mechanical stresses in these speci es, analyze their morphogenetical role and the tissue responses to the experimental modulations of: stress patterns. In hydroid polypes we e xplore also the molecular events involved in mechanochemical coupling. A model, linking the passive mechanical stresses with the active stre ss-responses of embryonic tissues is suggested. We consider these inve stigations as a first approach to a developing embryo as to an <<activ e solid body>>.