Neuroepithelial synchronisation of apical constriction and mitosis

Our latest paper shows that neuroepithelial cells undergo high-amplitude apical constriction synchronised with cell cycle progression but the timing of their constriction if influenced by tissue geometry. We observe this in mouse and chick embryos, as well as in human iPSC-derived neuroepithelial cells cultured on either flat or curved surfaces. We find this human cell model particularly tractable, except that it requires daily medium changes to keep the cells happy!