Overview
Our laboratory is interested in cell-cell signaling mechanisms that control normal development and disease processes. Our studies cover several fields including Developmental Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology and Neurobiology.
Meet Dr. Lin
Xinhua Lin, PhD
Division of Developmental Biology
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
We utilize genetic, molecular and cell biological approaches in model organism fruit fly (Drosophila) and in tissue culture system to address our defined questions.
During embryonic development, the coordinated growth and patterning of multi-cellular organisms is controlled by a relatively small number of signaling molecules including Wnt, Hedgehog (Hh), BMP and FGF. These signaling molecules act as morphogens whose concentration gradients provide positional information to pattern tissues. Deregulation of these factors and their signaling pathways are associated with numerous human diseases including cancers. Over past decades, intensive molecular and genetic studies have elucidated central components of these signaling pathways. However, it is less known about how the gradients of these molecules are regulated and how the identified intracellular signaling components are controlled by cellular machinery to execute their signaling activities.
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are cell surface and extracellular matrix macromolecules that are composed of a core protein decorated with covalently linked glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains. Biochemical and cell culture studies have demonstrated essential roles of these molecules in many cellular functions including intercellular signaling. Recent studies in animal model systems have begun to clarify their essential functions in development. We and others have shown that HSPGs play critical roles in regulating Wnt, Hh, BMP and FGF signaling pathways.
The long-term goal of our research is to elucidate the mechanisms by which the gradients of morphogens are established and interpreted into transcription outputs during development. In particular, we are interested in the role of HSPGs in morphogen gradient formation and morphogenesis. 
Our lab is currently focused on four distinct, but related projects:
- Mechanisms of morphogen gradient formation.
- Proteoglycans in cell signaling and in morphogenesis.
- Wnt signaling in development and diseases.
- Genetic screens for genes essential in morphogen signaling pathways.
