EPITHELIAL POLARITY MAINTENANCE AND MEMBRANE TRAFFICKING
The intestine performs one of the most essential functions of an animal organism, food absorption. We investigate three key aspects of the making of an intestine:
- Dynamics of the absorptive apical membrane
- Control of intestinal cell proliferation and terminal differentiation
- Coordinated intestinal morphogenesis
To answer these questions, we undertake a multiscale approach, from molecules to whole organism, using C. elegans as a model organism and intestinal organoids a mammalian non-animal model. Moreover, our collaborations with physicians allow us to address the clinical relevance of our discoveries. Our main tools are cutting-edge microscopy (Zeiss Airyscan, Random illumination Microscopy, laser nanoablations), and advanced genetic methods (endogenously tagged genes, time-/tissue-specific degrons, gene editing).
