Source Statistical Data Underlying All Figures, Supplementary Tables Data and Supplementary Movies of Paper: Cell lineage-resolved embryonic morphological map reveals novel signaling associated with cell fate and size asymmetry
How cells change shape is essential for the development of organs and embryos. However, studying these changes in detail is challenging. Here we present a comprehensive real-time map that covers over 95% of the cells formed during Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis, featuring nearly 400,000 3D cell regions. This map includes information on each cell's identity, lineage, fate, shape, volume, surface area, and contact area, along with gene expression profiles, all available through our user-friendly software and website. Our map allows for detailed analysis of important developmental events, such as dorsal intercalation, intestinal formation, and muscle assembly. We also show how Notch and Wnt signaling pathways, along with mechanical forces from cell interactions, influence cell fate and size asymmetries. Our findings suggest that repeated Notch signaling helps create size differences in the large excretory cell, which functions like a kidney. This work sets the stage for in-depth studies of the factors controlling cell fate differentiation and morphogenesis.