Concurrent Simulation of Morphogenetic Movements in Drosophila Embryo

摘要

The present work describes a 3D Finite Elements model of the Drosophila embryo designed to investigate large strains of epithelial tissues during embryogenesis. Three movements standing out for specific mechanical constraints are simulated: ventral furrow invagination, cephalic furrow formation and germ band extension. A deformation gradient decomposition is used to couple an imposed active deformation, according to the morphogenetic movement considered, and a passive elastic deformation consequence of the latter. The model also imposes boundary conditions such as the rigid contact with the vitelline membrane and the yolk pressure. The concurrent simulation of the three events is allowed; here we present the mechanical and the numerical formulation of the highly non-linear problem with special emphasis on the incorporation of cell deformations into a sound mechanical framework.