X. Mess Party fires on to celebrate the end of the first semester! Thank you all for your commitments to do the hard work!!!

Figure 5: Using a dynamic vertex model, we found that a single t-junction rotation can trigger cascading cell intercalations, spreading CE across the tissues. A biomechanical domino effect!

Figure 4: Our static toy models reveal how perpendicular t-junctions block force coupling and propagation, demonstrating how microscale defects escalate to large-scale abnormalities.

Figure 3: Our previous work on Arvcf revealed its role in maintaining cell cortex tension. Interestingly, Arvcf depletion delays t-junction rotation, leading to many more perpendicular t-junctions. This subtle change in cell packing is indeed akin to a “traffic jam”.

Figure 2: T-junction rotation is driven by a “four-way tug-of-war” between tensions on connected v-junctions. We employed a non-invasive image-based analysis to confirm this tension-based mechanism. Please stay tuned for more details on this method.

Key takeaway: Our study shows how force-dependent vertex resolution affects cell packing and polarized force propagation, facilitating the propagation of CE. This bridges the gap between cellular mechanics and tissue shaping. Let’s walk through the key findings! 👇