Basolateral mechanics prevents rigidity transition in epithelial monolayers

Abstract: The mechanics of epithelial tissues, which is governed by forces generated in various cell domains, is often investigated using two-dimensional models that account for the apically-positioned actomyosin structures but neglect basolateral mechanics. We employ a more detailed three-dimensional model to study how lateral surface tensions affect the structure and rigidity of such tissues. We find that cells are apicobasally asymmetric, with one side appearing more ordered than the other depending on cell target perimeter. In contrast to the 2D model, which predicts a rigidity transition at large target perimeters, tissues in the 3D model remain solid-like across all parameter space.