[A morphomechanical aspect of epigenesis].
Epigenesis in classical embryology is regarded as self-complication of spatial organization of the embryo during its development. The reality of the phenomenon of self-complication at the cellular and supracellular levels has been demonstrated by classical experimental embryology. Today, in light of studies of cell differentiation mechanisms, this problem acquired a molecular aspect. However, the attempt to solve it within the limits of molecular level leads to the paradox of "unreducible complexity". The discovery of a physical factor that concurrently would influence the processes of supracellular and molecular levels would be the best way to solve the problem of self-complication. The mechanical tension in cells and tissues of a developing organism may play the role of such factor. The paper considers facts on the role of mechanical stresses in morphogenesis and gene expression.
Belousov
L V
LV
D000818:Animals; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000235:genetics*