Research
A new era for epithelial biology
We use small model organisms, cell cultures and advanced 3D models to study the organisation and physiology of epithelia, improving our understanding of how the apical exchange surface forms and functions in health and disease.
Epithelia are one of the major tissue types that make up the bodies of multicellular organisms. These tissues are sheets of interconnected cells that form the surfaces of our body and our organs, creating physical barriers that protect us from external dangers and control the exchange of materials with the outside environment. Given the essential roles of epithelia in the human body, defects in their functioning are associated with a broad range of diseases.
At SurfEx, an MSCA Doctoral Network focused on studying the surface of epithelial cells, we unite academic and non-academic partners to develop new insights into the formation and functioning of epithelial tissues in health and disease. The top (apical) side of epithelial cells is responsible for the exchange of materials with the outside environment. The formation of a functional apical exchange surface requires complex rearrangements of the cytoskeleton, the formation of surface features like cilia or microvilli, and correct molecular specialization (proteins and lipids).
We combine research in small model organisms with novel 3D culture models to unravel the molecular mechanisms that establish a functional apical exchange surface.
Our research objectives
Work Packages
Our research program
Our project SurfEx has 12 individual research projects, each carried out by one doctoral candidate (DC), that fall under three work packages (WPs).
WP1 | Organizing principles of the brush border of intestinal epithelial cells
This work package combines studies in the small model organisms C. elegans and Drosophila to study the molecular mechanisms that organize the apical exchange surface of the intestinal epithelium under normal conditions, during microvilli regeneration and after pathological damage.
WP2 | Composition and barrier properties of the apical extracellular matrix atop polarized epithelia
The projects involved in this work package aim at identifying the molecular determinants of the apical extracellular matrix (ApECM) barrier across the segments of the intestinal tract, and at uncovering how the ApECM can allow selective transport, but at the same time shield the epithelium against gut pathogens.
WP3 | Developing and employing advanced epithelial culture models
This work package will develop 3D organoid models and microfluidic perfusable organ-on-chip systems recreating the physiology of epithelial tissues. With these advanced cultures, the projects involved study how epithelial organs are formed and which processes control and coordinate their formation, as well as investigate the processes and signals relevant to epithelial pathologies.