Developmental biology

Over the last three decades, model organisms from flies to mice have proven to be extremely powerful tools to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying development. Research in these models has generated a fundamental understanding of the gene networks that control the differentiation of precursor cells into mature organ-specific cell types, such as dopamine-producing neurons in the brain or insulin-expressing beta cells in the pancreas.

Developmental biologists were the first to introduce stem cells and are at the forefront of research elucidating the cell communication mechanisms that regulate the differentiation of stem cells and the organization of cells into functional organs. Knowledge gained from studies in developmental model organisms will greatly advance our understanding of human diseases and is crucial for the development of stem cell-based therapeutical treatments, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases or diabetes.