Research
My research group is focused on investigating the evolution of embryonic form. We study how molecular patterning effects changes in cell shape and behaviour to give rise to the form of animals, and compare these processes in different species to understand how they evolve. In particular, we use insects as model study systems, but our discoveries teach us about general patterns in evolution.
Much of my work is focused on the genetic and morphogenetic basis of axial extension, that is, how the animal body becomes longer than it is wide. This is a complex process involving the coordination of cell rearrangement, cell shape changes and cell division. Axial extension is conserved across the animal tree and is being actively investigated in a range of animals, including vertebrates and non-vertebrate chordates, lophotrochozoans, nematodes, and our own arthropods. This wide breadth of research provides excellent material for considering the evolution of this crucial developmental event.
We are also interested in other morphogenetic events including gastrulation. An essential and near universal step in gastrulation is the transition of cells from the epithelial type to the mesenchymal type. This work is being pursued by Margherita Battistara in a joint project between Ewa Paluch (Professor, PDN) and myself.
