Mechanisms of Robust Developmental Patterning
Event Details
- Type
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology Seminars
- Speaker(s)
-
Nathan Lord, Ph.D., assistant professor, University of Pittsburgh
- Speaker bio(s)
-
Embryos often communicate instructions to their cells using diffusible signaling molecules called morphogens. In textbook models, morphogens diffuse from a localized source to form a concentration gradient, and target cells select fates by measuring the local morphogen concentration. However, natural patterning systems often incorporate numerous co-factors and extensive signaling feedback, suggesting that embryos require additional means of control to generate reliable patterns. This talk will present our recent results that illuminate how additional regulatory features enable robust pattern formation by the morphogen Nodal in zebrafish embryogenesis. Using a series of mutant embryos engineered to have feedback-compromised patterning systems, we demonstrate that simple ligand diffusion and capture is sufficient to explain the formation of normal Nodal signaling patterns. We further show that negative feedback on signaling, though dispensable under normal circumstances, is required to correct perturbations. Finally, I will present a new optogenetic patterning platform that enables scalable and flexible manipulation of Nodal signaling patterns in live zebrafish embryos.
- Open to
- Public
- Phone
- (212) 327-8636
- Sponsor
-
Melanie Lee
(212) 327-8636
leem@rockefeller.edu