Development of the cranial musculo-skeletal system
1st Supervisor: Professor Philippa Francis-West
2nd Supervisor: Dr Karen Liu
Description of project
The muscles and bones of the head develop in unique ways when compared to those in the trunk. In the adult, the cranial muscles and bones are also differentially susceptible to disease possibly reflecting the unique way that they develop. Using chick and mouse models we have been identifying the signalling pathways and tissue interactions that control development of the cranial musculo-skeletal system focussing on the novelties of the cranial complex. For example, we have recently identified changes in the way the Shh signalling pathway is utilised to control the timing of skeletal differentiation in the head. The project will investigate mechanisms of musculoskeletal differentiation comparing and contrasting processes in the head and trunk using chick, fish and mouse models where appropriate.
Duration of project: 4 years
Contact for further information
Professor Philippa Francis-West
Email: philippa.francis-west@kcl.ac.uk
Research Topic: Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology
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