The long term goal of our work is to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling embryonic body formation, comprising patterning processes, tissue differentiation and organogenesis, in the mouse.

Presently, we focus on elucidating regulatory networks controlling paraxial mesoderm induction, differentiation and segmentation, which lead to the formation of somites, the precursors of the vertebral column.

The first event in mesoderm formation is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which is very similar to tumor progression and metastasis formation. We want to understand regulatory networks controlling EMT in the embryo as well as in tumors, and identify key genes acting in both processes.

Tissue engineering is another rising topic in the lab. Presently we are testing tools for directing stem cells to differentiation into predetermined fates. A long term goal is the generation of particular tissues and organ-like structures.

Another project is focused at understanding the molecular genetic control of transmission ratio distortion in mice, a phenomenon resulting in the inheritance of traits at non-mendelian ratio, in mice.

The projects are conducted in cooperation with the Institut für Genetik at the Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin