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Abstract

The development of organisms starting from their zygotic state involves a tight integration of the myriad biochemical signaling interactions with the mechanical forces that eventually pattern and shape the resulting embryo. In the past decade, it has become increasingly evident that several important developmental processes involve mechanical forces in an essential manner. In this review, we highlight the multifaceted role of mechanics in pattern formation, from protein and cell sorting to the generation of tissue shape. We then review the ways in which the active cellular cytoskeleton self-organizes to form dynamic patterns. Finally, we focus on mechanochemical feedback, where signaling proteins can establish patterns via coupling to the activity of the cytoskeleton. Throughout the review, we focus on the generic physical principles of the establishment of active mechanochemical patterns and point toward future directions in studying how the principles of mechanics and chemistry combine to drive morphogenetic pattern formation.