Coupling 3D reaction-diffusion and active matter to investigate morphogenesis

This project aims at unraveling the physical mechanisms by which pattern formation coupled with active matter can lead to robust morphogenesis.

Engineering machines and materials that imitate living organisms has been a persistent challenge in science. While recent advances in biochemistry allow the extraction of molecular building blocks from cells, reproducing complex structures such as a developing organism is still out-of-reach. In nature, morphogenesis often results from the interplay between biochemical, mechanical processes and topology, with mutual feedback. These processes are coordinated across scales to form robust, functional outcomes such as cell division, motility, and development. Yet, building efficient chemomechanical couplings in vitro remains a challenge.

To address this, I use biochemistry and microfabrication tools to couple membrane-binding morphogen proteins (MinDE proteins) with microtubule-based active matter. In this talk, I will first explain how I extended 2D chemical gradients formed by Min proteins into a reaction-diffusion-based 3D structure. I characterize this complex dynamical structure by detecting topological defects and studying their organization and dynamics. I will then reveal how to successfully combine this system with an active gel and demonstrate how active flows affect reaction-diffusion patterns in 3D. Future steps involve controlling molecular motor behavior using kinesin inhibitors governed by Min pattern and quantifying how chemical and activity gradients cooperate in selecting patterns.

Unraveling these interactions will enhance our ability to control pattern selection and defects localization in active gels.