Deciphering morphogenetic cues encoded in cell shape

Tissue morphogenesis is associated with dramatic changes in cell morphology. Whilst these cell shape changes may define final tissue form, how they impact and/or direct other key morphogenetic processes remains unclear. I aim to redefine our understanding of the role of cell shape in tissue formation by revealing that, far from simply a structural feature, cell shape encodes critical instructive information that directs diverse morphogenetic events. Using the vasculature and neural crest as morphogenetic models and combining zebrafish live-cell imaging, in-vitro micropatterning and computational modelling, this proposal will investigate (1) if acquisition of specific cell geometries in interphase determines whether cells will divide symmetrically or asymmetrically to direct post-mitotic cell fate, (2) whether signal-induced cell shape changes create positive-feedback that amplifies signal to expedite fate decisions, and (3) how local cell shape remodelling, driven by polarised mRNA targeting and translation, functions to orient motile cell polarity and tissue movements. As such, this work will determine if cell shape unexpectedly encodes diverse morphogenetic cues that direct fundamental decision-making processes underpinning tissue building. Considering that cell shape change is an inherent feature of almost all forming tissues, mechanisms uncovered here may be broadly conserved and of therapeutic relevance in numerous tissue contexts.