The Collective Cellular Dynamics (CCD) Laboratory

Unveiling the Teamwork of Epithelial Tissues:

Our research lab is dedicated to unraveling the secrets of epithelial tissues, the organized layers of cells that form the foundation of our organs. We are particularly interested in how these cells work together; a phenomenon known as collective cell dynamics. We aim to shed light on how epithelia orchestrate essential functions like development, repair, and defense against cancer, by focusing on three key questions:

1. Building with Teamwork: How Epithelia Take Shape During Development?

Epithelial tissues play a crucial role in embryonic development, forming the building blocks of our organs. We explore the intricate dance between individual cells and collective dynamics, investigating how they work together to construct complex shapes and establish proper function. Understanding these processes can unlock new knowledge about healthy development.

2. The Epithelial Watchdog: How Epithelia Fight Cancer and Maintain Homeostasis?

The epithelial tissue acts as the body’s first line of defense against cancer, forming a vigilant barrier against mutated cells. Our research investigates how these tissues utilize a combination of individual cell properties and collective dynamics to identify and eliminate potential threats before they can form tumors. By unraveling this multifaceted defense system, we hope to discover new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.

3. The Art of Collective Healing: How Epithelial Cells Collectively Close a Wound?

When injured, epithelia exhibit a remarkable ability to repair themselves. We focus on how cells combine their individual actions and collective dynamics to achieve wound closure. This intricate process involves coordinated movements and internal rearrangements within the tissue and understanding it could lead to accelerated healing and improved tissue regeneration.

Our goal is to contribute significantly to advancements in regenerative medicine, cancer biology, and our overall understanding of how tissues develop and function through the interplay of individual cell properties and collective cell dynamics.