Summary of the science
Cell shape and morphogenesis involve how cells acquire their specific shapes and structures during development. At the subcellular level, internal processes like rearrangement of structures and changes in the cell membrane, which is the outer layer of cell, contribute to shaping. Supra-cellular mechanisms involve coordination among groups of cells, such as aligning and rearranging themselves, responding to signals, and working together to generate forces that shape complex structures. This collaboration between cells is vital for proper development.
About the research
The leptin group's research delves into the intricate subcellular and supra-cellular mechanisms governing cell shape and development. They explore the integration of forces exerted by individual cells to shape tissues, focusing on processes like invagination in Drosophila embryos, membrane synthesis and sorting in tracheal cells, and innate immune responses in macrophages and dendritic cells.
About the illustration
The model organism used by the Leptin lab is the Drosophila embryo. We show a cross-section of the embryo to be able to visualise the internal layers and organisation and shape of the cells.