A matrisome atlas of germ cell development

The extracellular matrix (matrisome) provides chemical and mechanical cues to control the structure and function of cells and tissues. Yet, comprehensive understanding of how matrisome factors individually and collectively control cell and tissue behavior in vivo is lacking. Here, we systematically investigate the function of 443 conserved matrisome-coding genes in controlling germ cell behavior within a complex tissue - the Caenorhabditis elegans germline. Using high-content imaging, 3D reconstruction and cell behavior analysis of >3500 germlines and >7 million germ cells, we identify specific matrisome factors that regulate germline structure, protein distribution, germ cell cycle and fate, apoptosis, and oocyte health. These findings reveal matrisome networks acting autonomously and non-autonomously to coordinate germ cell behavior, providing new avenues to study and manipulate cell fates.