PhD Projects on offer
First signalling events in the mouse embryo - the genesis and
function of the extra-embryonic ectoderm signalling centre.
Supervisor: Magdalena Zernika-Goetz
Abstract and Aims: The aim of this project is to understand the genesis and function of the first signalling centres in the mouse embryo. These begin to signal after embryo implantation in the uterus of the mother and are essential for the orientation of the major future body axis, anterior-posterior axis. Despite their importance it is still not known when and how these earliest signalling events commence or how the cells that will become signalling centers are "chosen". This project will focus on a signalling centre within the extra-embryonic ectoderm (ExE), derived from the trophectoderm lineage of cells, one of two signalling centres that become active when patterning of the embryo is initiated. The project will focus on studies of morphogenesis and molecular events immediately upon implantation with respect to the genesis of this centre and will begin to characterise its function molecularly. To this end we will take advantage of time-lapse microscopy and cell labelling techniques recently developed in the laboratory of Dr. Zernicka-Goetz to trace the development of trophectoderm to ExE by clonal labelling. We will also experimentally manipulate the localisation of the ExE signalling, by microsurgery and by knocking-down in space and time key signalling molecules, to examine consequences for development of the AP axis. Finally, we will use florescent reporter lines for some genes active at this stage to follow the development of this signalling centre as it forms in live embryos.
