Development, differentiation and regeneration in vertebrates

The aim of our research is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that direct embryonic development in vertebrates. We use mouse and chicken embryos as models for the study of the role of new genes on organogenesis and their possible function on tissue homeostasis, pathology and regeneration in the adult. Our focus is on limb development, analysing digit morphogenesis and heart development, studying the role of Arid3b in cellular motility and cardiogenesis. In our research we use embryological techniques (embryo manipulation), histology (in situ hybridisation, immunohistochemistry), molecular biology (miroarray analysis) and cell culture. Our results are relevant for the understanding of the origin of congenital malformations, especially those that affect the limbs and heart. Also, our research can shed new light on the mechanisms of disease, in particular cancer progression and metastasis.