Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Columbia University
Host: Oliver Hobert
Title: "Molecular control of forces driving morphogenesis of the avian gut."
Abstract: With a recent resurgent interest in the physical aspects of embryonic development, one area that remains understudied - particularly among vertebrates - is how forces in the embryo are specified. How do developmental signals regulate tissue-scale forces to ensure they arise at the right time and location with the necessary orientation and magnitude to shape the developing embryo into remarkably stereotyped physical patterns? We aim to address these questions using a combination of molecular and biomechanical approaches in the developing chick embryo. This seminar will cover our recent work in this general area through the study of gut development, including the physico-chemical coupling that drives collective endodermal cell movements during gut tube formation in the early embryo, and later buckling morphogenesis of intestinal loops.