Examining cell shape as the mechanism for furrow positioning in the early Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo

Abstract

Through previous studies, it has been found that Zebrafish embryos show a predictable pattern of cell division consisting of the spindle apparatus always aligning perpendicular to its orientation in the previous cell stage. Although a predictable pattern for cell division has been determined, the exact mechanisms for the spindle positioning are unknown. One proposed determinant of spindle alignment is cell shape. This study aims to quantitatively analyze certain inherent characteristics of cells in early Zebrafish embryos to observe any relationships or trends that may occur. Patterns observed in these quantitative measurements may eventually help to formulate a model that predicts this pattern of cell division. The data shows a relationship between cell geometry and the orientation of the spindle axis by demonstrating that a greater difference between the long and short axis lengths and a ratio of these lengths further from 1.0 corresponds to a smaller angle difference between the spindle and furrow axis.