Cell and tissue dynamics driving gastrulation: Analysis using advanced live imaging computational data analysis and modelling

Gastrulation is one of the most critical events during the development of an embryo. It is characterised by large-scale tissue deformations and differential cell movements that result in the formation and positioning of the ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm in the early embryo. These coordinated tissue deformations derive from the motility and contractility of individual cells interacting with their neighbours. They are highly controlled in space and time through chemical and mechanical cell-cell signalling mechanisms. The aim of this highly interdisciplinary PhD project is combine state-of-the-art molecular and cell biology with lightsheet microscopy based imaging, data analysis and sophisticated mathematical modelling to quantitatively analyse the cell behaviours that drive gastrulation in the chick embryo, a widely studied model system for human development. We will concentrate on elucidating the chemical and mechanical cell-cell signalling mechanisms that control these cell behaviours during gastrulation using systems biology approaches and large scale data analysis. Understanding the interplay between cell-cell signalling and collective cell behaviours iscritical for understanding all stages of embryonic development, the origins of common congenital defects, wound healing, regeneration and cancer metastasis and will guide tissue engineering and the rational use of stem cells in regenerative medicine.