Summary of the science
Humans and mammals start out as a mass of cells known as an embryo. During this stage, if some cells behave incorrectly, it can lead to complications at birth, such as missing limbs. For embryos to safely develop into babies with no such anomalies, a complicated network of signals is established and maintained, telling each cell exactly what it is they need to do. The Robertson Lab study how these signals work and what is involved in these signals to obtain a clearer picture of embryological development.
About the research
Elizabeth Robertson and her lab study the molecular signals used in correctly patterning the mammalian embryo, using mice as a model system. In particular, they are studying the Nodal/Smad2 and the BMP/Smad1 pathways which are responsible for anterior-posterior patterning and germ cell specification, respectively. In each pathway, there is a specific target gene that is affected (Eomesodermin and Blimp1, respectively) and they aim to understand the functions of these genes and how this relates to tissue morphogenesis of the embryo.
About the illustration
The main illustration shows an early mouse embryo at the gastrulation stage, receiving signals, which shows the two key concepts of the research. To fill the empty space and emphasise the idea of morphogenesis and how signals are important to the continuing development of the embryo, outlines of mice embryos at different stages fill the background.