Tissue Morphogenesis

Our focus is the analysis of fundamental mechanisms of tissue morphogenesis in the zebrafish embryo, using high-resolution live microscopy in combination with genetic and embryological techniques. Epithelial tissues are a key feature of all multi-cellular life, contributing to the shape and integrity of the body and its organs. Epithelia can undergo dramatic changes in shape and organization, a fascinating ability that is only poorly understood. The zebrafish embryo is ideal to make new advances in this field, in particular because of the ease of applying genetics and live imaging. Specifically, we are interested in the morphogenetic behaviour of the embryonic surface epithelium, the enveloping layer (EVL).