Genetics of Cell Behaviour in Development

Tissue and organ development and function rely on cell shape and cell interactions with each other as well as with the surrounding matrix. Cell shape is intrinsically connected with cell function in a given tissue or organ and it varies enormously throughout nature. Branched cellular networks are a very common feature of multicellular animals and underlie the formation and function of numerous tissues and organs including the nervous system, the respiratory system, the vasculature and the structure of many internal glands. The production of cellular branched structures relies on cell migration and extensive cytoskeletal rearrangements.

In our research group we are interested in how cells migrate and branch in response to cell autonomous and non-autonomous cues and how are dynamic changes in the cytoskeleton modulated. To study these cell behaviours we use Drosophila melanogaster tracheal and nervous system cells during embryonic development and in larval stages.

We focus on the following lines of research:
· Cytoskeletal changes during subcellular lumen formation, axonogenesis and dendritogenesis
· Cell migration and invasive cell behaviours
· Cellular interactions and cooperation between nervous and tracheal system during cell migration and branching
· Drosophila as an organismal model for neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration