Do the same local cytomechanics drive the convergent extension and invagination of the notochord plate?
Thus far our modeling efforts have focused on understanding the cytomechanics of convergent extension. But as we described above, the ascidian notochord executes two morphogenetic movements simultaneously- invagination and convergent extension. It would be amazing if these two processes did not utilize some of the same machinery. Indeed, it’s interesting to speculate that the very same local protrusive, contractile and adhesive mechanics that drive convergent extension when biased within the plane of the notochord plate, could also drive invagination of the plate if biased along the apico-basal axis. To explore this idea computationally will require going beyond the two dimensional models we have made thus far. • Cytomechanics of cell adhesion. Computational models often yield unlooked for insights into the nature of some process. Modeling convergent extension forced us to think hard about adhesion and how the adhesive forces that draw or hold cells together would act upon a deformable
