Early-stage embryo as an active self-tuning soft material
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Oxford Physics
Abstract
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Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Julia Mary Yeomans (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Bhattacharyya S
(2024)
Phase ordering in binary mixtures of active nematic fluids.
in Physical review. E
Chaithanya K
(2025)
Cell-Level Modelling of Homeostasis in Confined Epithelial Monolayers.
in Journal Of Elasticity
Graham JN
(2024)
Cell sorting by active forces in a phase-field model of cell monolayers.
in Soft matter
Matsuda M
(2023)
Mechanical control of neural plate folding by apical domain alteration.
in Nature communications
Meissner L
(2024)
An introduction to phase ordering in scalar active matter.
in The European physical journal. Special topics
Rozman J
(2024)
Basolateral Mechanics Prevents Rigidity Transition in Epithelial Monolayers.
in Physical review letters
Rozman J
(2025)
Vertex model with internal dissipation enables sustained flows.
in Nature communications
Rozman J
(2024)
Cell Sorting in an Active Nematic Vertex Model
in Physical Review Letters
Rozman J
(2023)
Shape-Tension Coupling Produces Nematic Order in an Epithelium Vertex Model.
in Physical review letters
| Description | A key challenge in biophysics research is unravelling the mechanisms behind collective cell movement-an essential process in embryogenesis, wound healing, and cancer progression. To achieve a deeper understanding, we need predictive physical models that unify and clarify complex biological data. One of the most successful frameworks for modelling collective cell motility are vertex models. During our grant, we have significantly enhanced these models in two crucial ways. First, we introduced nematic forcing to accurately capture how cell junctions exert forces on each other. Second, we incorporated viscous forces, allowing us to account for long-range cell correlations and extend the model's predictive power. These advances are bridging gaps between cell-level and continuum theories, enabling us to understand the mechanisms behind the collective behaviour of cells and compare more directly to experiments. Notably, our refined approach successfully replicates the formation of polonaise flow in the chick embryo, through a method that retains the resolution of individual cell boundaries. |
| Exploitation Route | The modelling techniques we have been pioneering will be used in fundamental research in mechanobiology and developmental biology. |
| Sectors | Healthcare |
| Description | IoP lectures |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I gave evening lectures to Institue of Physics regional groups (Salisbury Branch, London and SE Branch) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024 |
| URL | https://www.iop.org/events/active-matter-evading-decay-equilibrium-1 |