Genetic Regulation of Development and Morphogenesis

The Axelrod lab is investigating how genes orchestrate the amazing processes of development and morphogenesis. How do cells know what kind of cells to become, where and when? Once cells adopt a fate, how do they acquire the correct morphology to carry out their functions? We are using genetic, molecular and cell biological analyses in both the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster, and in the mouse, to address some specific examples of these questions. These studies will provide insight into how errors in these processes give rise to a range of developmental anomalies, and how they may contribute to cancers.

Our current project areas include:

Planar Cell Polarity: Epithelial cells are polarized and serve specialized functions on their apical and basolateral surfaces. Often, they are also polarized along an axis perpendicular to the apical-basal axis, producing patterned arrays within the epithelium (referred to as Planar Cell Polarity). We are working to understand the signaling events and cellular responses that produce this cellular asymmetry. Mechanistic studies using the fruitfly are complemented by studies of PCP in the mouse.

Segmental Groove Formation: In the fly embryo, specific bands of cells in the ectoderm invaginate to form segmental grooves. We are studying how these cells are designated, what signals direct their change in shape to drive invagination, and how they execute this response.

Rotation Projects: Students interested in rotation projects in any of the above areas are welcome. Phone or email Jeff to discuss possibilities.

Our work is currently funded by:
The National Institutes of Health