We are interested in how the animal body plan is shaped through a complex interplay between biochemical and mechanical processes acting during embryonic development. The lab is focused on critical events during time of gastrulation, where germ layers become specified and extensive morphogenetic rearrangements occur to form specialized structures in the embryo. We especially aim to identify molecular, cellular and physical mechanisms regulating vital processes such as cell and tissue morphogenesis, cell-cell adhesion and cell specification. The current research focus is on regulatory processes in the development of the early forebrain and mechanisms controlling cell dynamics and migration during embryonic development. We are using interdisciplinary approaches including quantitative live cell imaging, biophysical measurements, biochemical and genetic tools (CRISPR/Cas9), genomics/transcriptomics and mathematical modeling from subcellular, to tissue level. We are utilizing the zebrafish embryo as a vertebrate model system and use a combination of in vivo and in vitro assays to study these questions.

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