From endoderm to gut: Regulation of lineage allocation and morphogenesis in the murine embryo [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Patrick Tam (Principal investigator) ,  Dr David Loebel ,  Prof Lorraine Robb

Brief description One of the most critical steps in early development is the generation of the full complement of cell types required to build the embryo. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying this is vital for the development of methods for directing the differentiation of stem cells for use in regenerative medicine. The objective of our research is to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the assignment of cells to particular fates and the establishment of the body plan of the embryo. The endodermal cell layer forms the lining of the embryonic gut which gives rise to the entire gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract and other structures including the liver and the pancreas during organogenesis. This investigation focuses on the questions of how the pluripotent progenitor cells are allocated to the endodermal lineage and how the embryonic gut is patterned during early development of the mouse embryo. Analysis of endoderm development will provide insights into the roles of the allocation of progenitor cells to tissue lineages, cell movement, and diversification and maturation of functional cell types. These processes are universally relevant to the formation of all types of organ primordia in the embryo. Understanding the complexity of tissue interactions and the interplay of molecular mechanisms of cell lineage choice and differentiation in the embryo is a major challenge. However, knowledge of the processes that drive tissue differentiation in the embryo is absolutely crucial for enhancing our ability to direct cell and tissue differentiation for the realization of cell-based technologies in biomedicine.

Funding Amount $AUD 439,500.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant