Nematode species are well-known for their invariant cell lineage pattern, including reproducible division timing, volume segregation, fate specification and migration trajectory for each and every cell during embryonic development. Here, we study the fundamental principleoptimizing cell lineage pattern with Caenorhabditis elegans. Combining previous knowledge about the fate specification induced by asymmetric division and the anti-correlation between cell cycle length and cell volume, we propose a model to simulate lineage by altering cell volume segregation ratio in each division, and quantify the derived lineage’s performance in proliferation rapidity, fate diversity and space robustness (PFS Model). The stereotypic pattern in early C. elegans embryo is one of the most optimal solutions taking minimum time to achieve the cell number before gastrulation. Our methods lay a foundation for deciphering principles of development and guiding designs of bio-system. Ph.D candidate Guoye Guan is the first author of this work; Prof. Chao Tang and Prof. Lei-Han Tang (HKBU) gave theoretical instructions; Prof. Zhongying Zhao (HKBU) and Ph.D candidate Ming-Kin Wong (HKBU) provided experimental materials.
