Reconstructing multiscale dynamics in vertebrate morphogenesis
Résumé
A complete understanding of early morphogenetic processes has been an elusive goal. For most of the last century quantifying cellular behavior and motion patterns presented a formidable technical challenge. More recently, the availability of modern optics, ingenious software and reasonably priced computers has begun to revolutionize embryology. We designed a framework for imaging and reconstructing deep focus images of whole zebrafish embryos during early morphogenetic stages with minimal experimental manipulation. Our approach records time and distance measurements along with cell lineage analysis at micrometer spatial resolution and minute-level temporal accuracy. The automated image processing methodology extracts membrane geometry and cell positional fate information while monitoring mitosis synchrony. The analyses are conducted on entire embryos and the resulting data provide a realistic quantitative multi-scale ensemble view of morphogenetic mechanisms. Our global approach to dynamical understanding of embryogenesis establishes rigorous standards of measurement precision and the accuracy of automated segmentation and tracking procedures. It is expected that these in vivo data will provide a foundation for further analysis of the interplay between molecular, cellular and tissue level dynamics during formation of vertebrate embryos.