Our focus: Mechanisms of epithelial morphogenesis

We study processes, which govern epithelial morphogenesis and homeostasis, and deregulation of which can lead to developmental defects and cancer. More specifically, we investigate the interplay of biochemical and mechanical signals in shaping epithelial sheets to functional structures. The main focus of the laboratory is on the regulation of epithelial branching morphogenesis of the paradigmatic branched organ unique to mammals, the mammary gland. Our ultimate research goal is to understand, how organs are formed and how tumours emerge.

Our research strategy combines advanced 3D cell culture models and organoids, state-of-the-art imaging techniques, genetic mouse models and mathematical modelling.