An Algorithm Developed to Study the Structure of Galaxies Helps Explain a Key Feature of Embryonic Development

https://phys.org/news/2019-07-algorithm-galaxies-key-feature-embryonic.html

MIT Postdoc Hannah Yevick, MIT associate professor of biology Adam Martin, and MIT associate professor of physical mathematics Jörn Dunkel, teamed up to apply an algorithm to cell  development that is usually used by astronomers when studying the structure of galaxies. Developing embryos follow a predetermined pattern of tissue folding which allows individuals of the same species to develop similar bodies and identical organ systems. This process is carried out by a sheet of proteins shaped like a fishing net which creates many alternative pathways for tissue folding. No one cell takes on an all important role.This means that when one cell gets damaged the process can still be completed by the cells connecting to the broken parts of the tissue.  

In this study, the researchers focused on fruit flies and the process of gastrulation, in which the fruit fly embryo is reorganized from a single-cell layered sphere into a more complex structure with many layers. Martin and Yevick hypothesized that the network of cell connectivity might play a role in the robustness of the tissue folding, but until now, there was no reliable way to trace the connections within the network. Dunkel, who studies the physics of soft surfaces and flowing matter, had the idea to apply a mathematical procedure used to identify features of 3-D structures. This algorithm is normally used by astronomers to identify different galaxies. In this case, researchers used it to trace the actomyosin networks across and between the cells in a sheet of tissue. Although this study was done in fruit flies, the same process occurs in humans and other vertebrates. This study can help us understand the cause of certain birth defects by identifying exactly what stage issues begin in. 

Here at Mathnasium, we can help students develop math skills that will prepare them for any hurdle life throws at them, from eukaryotic cell development theory to basic finance! Topics that a student who is interested in this algorithm would study include factoring polynomial equations, Calculus, and dimensional analysis. 

Written by Hope Davis, Mathnasium of Garner Instructor