Integrating cell fate and morphogenesis during sense organ formation
1st Supervisor: Professor Andrea Streit
2nd Supervisor: Dr Karen Liu
Description of project
The formation of complex organs not only requires the specification of specialised cell types, but also their arrangement into functional 3D structures. Understanding the coordination of both events is key for understanding how organs form and how they can be repaired after damage or injury. We have recently identified some of the key factors that control cell fate, cell shape and cell behaviour in the future inner ear.
This project will explore how these factors act to coordinate both cell identity and morphogenesis. To do this we will first manipulate their expression and establish the response of ear progenitors using cell biological approaches and life imaging. Second, we will determine their downstream targets using molecular and bioinformatics approaches. Ultimately, we aim to establish a network that explains how different factors work together to integrate cell behaviour and fate.
Duration of project: 4 years
Contact for further information
Professor Andrea Streit
Email: andrea.streit@kcl.ac.uk
Research Topic: Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology
References relating to the project
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