Mechanism of oscillatory Wnt signaling dynamics and its role in vertebrate embryos

Abstract

The mechanism underlying oscillatory Wnt signaling dynamics and its link to metabolic activity during vertebrate embryonic development will be addressed in the context of the embryonic somite segmentation clock. To this end, a quantitative approach that combines real-time imaging of customized Wnt reporter knock-in lines, new genetic animal models and time-resolved functional perturbations will be used. The project is based on established in vitro and in vivo segmentation clock models, including the mouse and medaka. A particular aim is to reveal core mechanistic principles underlying Wnt signaling dynamics and its link to metabolic pathways, enabling comparison to other developmental disease models.