Epithelial Morphogenesis
In addition to static aspects of epithelial architecture, we are interested in how epithelial cells and sheets reorganize themselves to drive the morphogenetic outcomes that shape organs and organisms. The follicle cell epithelium of the adult Drosophila ovary is a rich system for such studies. Follicle cells undergo numerous morphogenetic behaviors, including transitions between squamous, cuboidal, and columnar morphologies, cellular rearrangements, and migrations; these changes during development determine the final form and function of the mature egg. We are using cell biological and imaging approaches in conjunction with forward genetic screening to understand the morphogenetic processes that shape this simple organ as a general model for understanding the processes and forces that govern epithelial morphogenesis.
