Current Projects

Current Projects

We use Xenopus and mouse models to study the fundamental mechanisms of normal development. Our basic science projects focus on work in which:
We are examining the control of actin assembly in morphogenetic movements. Visit the Actin page.

We are analyzing the control of basic body axis formation. Visit the Ectoderm page.

We are defining how cells pattern themselves into a three-layered organism with recognizable axes. Visit the Molecular Mechanisms of Early Development page.

We are studying the control of the migration of early stem cell populations in the embryo. Visit the Germ Cells page .

Our translational research includes projects using the mouse model. We are addressing the question of the control of intervertebral disc growth and differentiation (in collaboration with the Orthopaedics Division). Visit the Intervertebral Disc page.

There is also a small group studying bladder differentiation using the Xenopus model (in collaboration with the Division of Urology.) Visit the Bladder page .

We are investigating the control of tendon differentiation and its application to the generation of functionally engineered tendon from stem cells in vitro (in collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati). Visit the Tendon page.