Revealing how cells sense their environment to collectively migrate in vivo

This project aims to understand how cells interpret mechanical cues as they migrate together to form tissues in vivo. Using interdisciplinary approaches and exploiting recent advances in transgenic and quantitative imaging technologies, the project expects to reveal how the cell uses its nucleus and cytoskeleton to sense the mechanical environment and drive the migration required for morphogenesis. Outcomes include knowledge of previously intractable developmental processes, training of future scientists and development of international collaborations. This should provide enhanced imaging capacity, a higher quality scientific workforce and position Australia at the forefront of cell and developmental biology.