Research Interests

Discovering the cellular mechanisms underlying organ development

Research Area

Our lab is motivated to understand the genetic and cellular mechanisms controlling organ development and to use this knowledge to determine how congenital organ anomalies occur. We use a combination of animal embryo and stem cell-based approaches to recreate the complexity of human development. Congenital organ anomalies are the leading cause of infant mortality in North America. The disease mechanisms responsible for causing congenital organ anomalies are poorly understood. Though many are caused by known risk genes discovered after genetic sequencing of an individual with a congenital organ anomaly, how sequence variants in these genes affect the underlying cell and developmental biology during organogenesis is not known. Our lab is particularly interested in determining the developmental and genetic basis of life-threatening congenital anomalies affecting the formation of the trachea (“wind pipe”) and esophagus (“food pipe”). To approach this challenge, our lab uses research animal models including Xenopus (African clawed frog) and mice. Xenopus and mice have all of the same organs as humans, including a trachea and esophagus, and their organ development is similar, making them excellent models to study human development and disease. We also use pluripotent stem cell-derived digestive and respiratory tissue to understand how the underlying cell biology is disrupted.

Current Members

Edwards, Nicole (Principal Investigator/Director) Contact

Additional Information

We foster a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment to achieve our scientific goals and mentor the next generation of scientists.

Contact

Institution: University of Michigan

Address:
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB)
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
USA

Web Page: https://www.edwards-lab.org