The balancing roles of mechanical forces during left-right patterning and asymmetric morphogenesis

•We review the molecular and sub-cellular basis of left-right patterning and asymmetric morphogenesis•We review the role of the mechanical and biochemical pathways•We discuss the potential mechanosensors involved

Left-right patterning and asymmetric morphogenesis arise from a complex set of molecular and cellular interactions that are particularly dynamic and associated with mechanical forces. How do mechanical forces translate into tissular asymmetries? Are these forces asymmetrical de novo, or do they build up from pre-existing asymmetries? Advances in developmental genetics, live imaging and cell biology have recently shed light on the origins of mechanical forces generated at the cell scale and their implication in asymmetric patterning and morphogenesis is now emerging. Here we ask when and how, molecular asymmetries and mechanical forces contribute to left-right patterning and organ asymmetries.