Sculpting With Stiffness: Rigidity as a Regulator of Morphogenesis

This mini-review discusses the emerging understanding of how tissue stiffness, a fundamental material property, influences morphogenetic processes in living organisms. While the role of mechanical forces in affecting cell behavior is well-established, the significance of tissue material properties, such as stiffness, is gaining attention. The review highlights key themes and concepts that illustrate the regulatory role of rigidity in morphogenesis, emphasizing the interplay between material properties and mechanical forces in shaping tissues.