Prof. Materna is interested in how the information encoded in the genome directs embryonic development where many processes must act in concert to give rise to a complex organism. Specifically, how do a few known transcription factors that determine cell fate regulate a complex morphogenetic program that requires the precise control of hundreds of genes?
The main model in the Materna lab is using is the early zebrafish embryo, which is both accessible and amenable to manipulation. A particular area of interest is patterning and morphogenesis of the endoderm — one of the three germ layers — that will eventually form parts of multiple organs, including the gut and respiratory epithelia. Defects in this process may result in developmental malformations or predispose the individual to disease.
