Mechanical forces in avian embryo development

Research using avian embryos has led to major conceptual advances in developmental biology, virology, immunology, genetics and cel l biology. The avian embryo has several significant advantages, including ready availability and ease of accessibility, rapid development with marked similarities to mammals and a high amenability to manipulation. As mechanical forces are increasingly recognised as key drivers of morphogenesis, this powerf u l model system is shedding new light on the mechanobiolog y of embryonic development. Here, we highlight progress in understanding how mechanical forces direct key morphogenetic processes in the early avian embryo. Recent advances in quantitative live imaging and modelling are elaborating upon traditional work using physical models and embryo manipulations to reveal cel l dynamics and tissue forces in ever greater detail. The recent application of transgenic technologies further increases the strength of the avian model and is providing important insights about previously intractable developmental processes.