Takashi Hiiragi, Hubrecht Institute, The Netherlands<\/em><\/p>\n A defining feature of living systems is the capacity to break symmetry and generate well-defined forms and patterns through self-organisation. Our group aims to understand the design principle of multicellular living systems using early mouse embryos as a model system. We developed an experimental framework that integrates biology, physics and mathematics, to understand how molecular, cellular and physical signals are dynamically coupled across the scales for self-organisation. I will discuss our ongoing work investigating the coordination of developmental programmes in space and time.<\/p>\n Takashi Hiiragi is group leader at the Hubrecht Institute. \u00a0The Hiiragi group aims to understand what defines multi-cellular living systems. In particular, the group studies the design principle of tissue self-organization, using early mammalian embryos as a model system. To this end, they developed an experimental framework that integrates biology, physics and mathematics. Their recent studies led to a model in which feedback between cell fate, polarity, and cell and tissue mechanics underlies multi-cellular self-organization. The group adopts a wide variety of experimental strategies including embryology, genetics, advanced microscopy, biophysics, engineering and theoretical modelling, in order to address fundamental questions in cell and developmental biology.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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