I am looking at the IP3 mediated regulation of embryonic development.
Morphogenesis is a fundamental aspect of developmental biology, which involves the processes that control the organised spatial distribution of different cell types, which leads to tissue- and organogenesis and forms the basis of the overall body anatomy. I am interested in the molecular regulation underlying morphogenesis. Its very simple body plan and highly stereotypical development make C. elegans an excellent model for understanding the principles of developmental processes. I am using a range of molecular and imaging techniques to reveal the role of IP3 mediated signalling in the regulation of cell migration.
Early development of many species (including humans) depends on maternally provided mRNAs. After fertilization zygotic genes are not immediately active, instead maternally derived mRNAs govern embryogenesis until zygotic gene transcription begins to function. Another aim of my research is to understand the importance of maternal contribution to developmental control of the zygote with respect to components of the IP3 signalling cascade.
In addition, I am looking at possible interactions between Wnt and calcium signalling pathways in C. elegans. Wnt signalling is a widely conserved signalling cascade, which is involved in many processes during development and is a major factor in oncogenesis. In mammals certain Wnt signals mediate activation of the calcium signalling pathway. I am investigating whether such a pathway may be conserved in C. elegans and, if so, which developmental processes may be controlled by this network.