Genetic dissection of cardiac morphogenesis. The human heart is critical for survival and yet, despite its importance, we still lack a basic understanding of how it forms. This project aims to discover new genes involved in cardiac development so we can understand how to build a heart. Armed with this information, this research will assist in devising strategies for the repair of congenital and acquired heart disease.
The mechanochemical basis of cell polarity. This project aims to study how epithelial cells initiate polarisation, a major question in biology that conventional biochemical, cell biological and genetic approaches have not answered. This project will investigate the mechanochemical basis of symmetry breaking in the cellular cortex, a thin layer of actomyosin filaments underneath the plasma membrane, and how this forms signalling zones. Understanding polarity is expected to improve epithelia manip ....The mechanochemical basis of cell polarity. This project aims to study how epithelial cells initiate polarisation, a major question in biology that conventional biochemical, cell biological and genetic approaches have not answered. This project will investigate the mechanochemical basis of symmetry breaking in the cellular cortex, a thin layer of actomyosin filaments underneath the plasma membrane, and how this forms signalling zones. Understanding polarity is expected to improve epithelia manipulation in disciplines from tissue engineering to regenerative biology and reveal how epithelial architecture and physiology are generated.Read moreRead less
Regulation of 3D Cell Migration by Microtubule-Dependent Processes. The overarching aim of this research is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that cells use to move in 3D environments: a basic biological function essential to development and homeostasis. During these processes, cells interact with their surroundings where they translate biophysical forces into biochemical signals to adapt their shape to move. This requires distinct signalling, controlled in space and time, to regulate the cr ....Regulation of 3D Cell Migration by Microtubule-Dependent Processes. The overarching aim of this research is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that cells use to move in 3D environments: a basic biological function essential to development and homeostasis. During these processes, cells interact with their surroundings where they translate biophysical forces into biochemical signals to adapt their shape to move. This requires distinct signalling, controlled in space and time, to regulate the crosstalk between organelles and the cytoskeleton. To date, the role of microtubules remains elusive. Using interdisciplinary approaches combining advanced imaging technology with novel cell biology methods, the project aims to uncover fundamental knowledge about how cells interact with their environment.Read moreRead less
Breaching membrane barriers. This project will endeavour to develop novel molecular transporters to deliver macromolecules inside cells or microorganisms. Cell membranes are barriers to macromolecules. The ability to cross these barriers and deliver biological macromolecules into cells represents a major achievement with endless opportunities to modulate pathways and to introduce biomarkers, therapeutics and research tools. The project’s novel platform technology would be based on stable cyclic ....Breaching membrane barriers. This project will endeavour to develop novel molecular transporters to deliver macromolecules inside cells or microorganisms. Cell membranes are barriers to macromolecules. The ability to cross these barriers and deliver biological macromolecules into cells represents a major achievement with endless opportunities to modulate pathways and to introduce biomarkers, therapeutics and research tools. The project’s novel platform technology would be based on stable cyclic peptides to deliver genes, proteins, probes or biomarkers into distinct cell types that can monitor or modulate specific pathways and be translated into new knowledge and specific industrial applications.Read moreRead less