Emergence and robustness of 3D complex tissue architectures from simple physical forces

A 3D mathematical model of adipose tissue shows complex, heterogeneous tissue architectures emerge in silico, matching intra- and inter-individual shape variability seen in vivo.

• Why it matters: Understanding how morphogenesis produces tissue architecture—and which mechanisms evolution favors—remains limited, especially regarding whether mechanical interactions alone can structure tissues.
• What they did: The authors built a 3D model using simple mechanical rules between cells and fibers, then tested whether it reproduces architecture emergence and observed heterogeneity.
• The result: The simulations indicate cell differentiation rules are not necessary for structuring, implying mechanical processes can drive architecture and may have been selected for robustness and efficiency.

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