In vitro model for the mechanics of early brain development (A03)

• Subject Area: Developmental Biology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 460333672

A03 aims to investigate the interplay of mechanical factors and planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling in early nervous system development in an organoid model of neural plate tissue from the African Clawed Frog Xenopus laevis. We hypothesize that PCP signaling links and integrates mechanical and biochemical signals in early brain development. Organoids will be cultured on engineered substrates with tuneable mechanical properties and functionalization to study the impact of the mechanical environment on PCP-signaling, tissue morphogenesis and patterning. In addition, we will alter PCP signaling activity to investigate the cross-talk between mechanical signals and PCP.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1540: Exploring Brain Mechanics (EBM): Understanding, engineering and exploiting mechanical properties and signals in central nervous system development, physiology and pathology
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Alexandra Schambony