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14 hours of development, from
gastrulation thru neural tube closure (viewed from the
vegetal pole).
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Contact:
241
Gilmer Hall
University
of Virginia
Dept. of
Biology
Charlottesville,
VA 22904
(434)
243-2596
For web page issues, contact
David Shook
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Research Areas:
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Neural
Morphogenesis
We study
patterning
and biomechanics
of convergent extension in the neural plate, and
the mechanisms of neural
tube closure.
What cell behaviors shape the neural plate and how
are they regulated by midline-originating
signals?
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Biomechanics
We are measuring the forces
generated by tissue movements, and the biomechanical properties of
those tissues to understand the mechanical basis of morphogenesis.
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Mesodermal
Morphogenesis
We are
interested in the biomechanical role of such
molecules as integrin,
fibrillin,
and cadherins
during convergence and extension of the mesoderm.
How do molecular components such as these and
others such as members of the planar cell polarity
pathway drive or guide convergence and extension
and axis elongation?
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Comparative
Morphogenesis
We are interested in
understanding the variation among species in the
mechanisms and biomechanics
of gastrulation. This include the mechanisms by
which surface
mesoderm is
removed during gastrulation and neurulation, and
the degree to which different species use
convergent
extension,
vs. convergent thickening to drive blastopore closure.
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