Embryonic scaling: morphogen gradients, size sensing, and scaler genes (opens in new tab)

Embryonic scaling is the ability of developing embryos to preserve proportional patterning despite differences in overall size. This phenomenon has long been recognized in many animal groups and represents a central example of developmental robustness and self-regulation. Its mechanisms are now being clarified through quantitative embryology, theoretical modeling, molecular developmental biology, and mechanobiology. The best-characterized framework for understanding embryonic scaling is morph...