Research

We are broadly interested in cell adhesion mechanisms, and how they contribute to animal evolution and organismal complexity.

Origins of simple tissues

Due to the of complexity and redundancy of adhesion systems in bilaterian model species, the minimal set of genes necessary to construct multicellular tissues is still unknown. The small number of adhesion molecules present in cnidarian genomes, combined with their amenable properties (optical transparency, capacity to regenerate from cell aggregates) allows for the systematic testing of adhesion gene function. To this end, we use the cnidarian embryo as a system to study the necessity of adhesion proteins for epithelial formation.

Structure and function of invertebrate adhesion proteins

The genomes of non-bilaterian animals encode a diverse array of cell adhesion proteins that are structurally distinct from those found in bilaterians. In our lab, we use various protein biochemistry techniques to investigate the structure and function of these unique adhesion proteins. Our goal is to understand how their functional differences influence cell and tissue properties in non-bilaterian animals.

New models for studying the base of the animal tree of life

Analysis of the innovations associated with animal origins has been hindered by the lack of model species in non-bilaterian phyla with toolkits for cellular and molecular biology. To address this problem, a long-term goal of our research is to develop new model species in diverse non-bilaterian groups, including placozoans, sponges and ctenophores, which represent the most basal branches of the animal tree of life.

New tools for non-model organisms

A core focus of our laboratory is developing innovative tools for experimental biology in non-model organisms. We have created new imaging techniques, transgenesis methods, and strategies for reagent delivery and gene knockout. These advancements expand research capabilities in understudied groups, and we aim for our efforts to drive progress in the field.