Our research focuses on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that drive morphogenesis during vertebrate development. Morphogenesis is the process that generates the shape of a tissue or organ and the spatial organization of the different cell types within it. To study morphogenesis, we have chosen zebrafish as our animal model. Zebrafish embryos develop externally, and they are translucent, which allows us to visualize morphogenetic events in high resolution. Moreover, zebrafish offer an extensive array of powerful tools in genetics, embryology, pharmacology, and cell biology, enhancing our research capabilities.

Currently, our research is centered around unraveling the intricate processes involved in the morphogenesis of the endoderm. The endoderm is a vital tissue that plays a crucial role in the development of various organs and tissues, including the gastrointestinal system, skull, face, and heart. Disruptions in endoderm development contribute to many congenital defects, including heart and cleft lip/palate defects, which are two of the most common human congenital birth defects. To investigate how endoderm morphogenesis is genetically regulated, we have generated multiple transgenic zebrafish lines that allow us to label specific components of endodermal cells with fluorescent proteins. This labeling technique facilitates the discovery of unique cellular behaviors and enables us to identify the signaling pathways involved in endoderm morphogenesis.

Our particular focus lies in understanding two key aspects of endoderm development: 1) how the Wnt/PCP (Planar Cell Polarity) signaling pathway, known for its involvement in tissue polarity and cell migration, controls the formation of the gastrointestinal system, and 2) how genetic regulatory mechanisms govern the formation of endoderm pouches, crucial structures involved in craniofacial development.