Embryogenesis, or embryonic development, is the process whereby a totipotent cell (the fertilized egg) generates multiple differentiated cells. During development, cells progressively lose their multipotentiality and are eventually restricted to a single fate. Similarly, tissue shaping (morphogenesis) is essential for the establishment of the correct anatomical parameters.Understanding how tissue identity and shape is determined is a fundamental issue of embryology and regenerative therapies. 

The focus of our laboratory research is both morphogenesis and differentiation of the nervous system development. For this purpose, we used the chicken embryo as an experimental model. This classic model of embryology has several technical advantages, allowing us to  observe and manipulate various embryological events.

At the moment, the projects in the lab are:

• Transcription factors in neurogenesis

• Morphogenesis of the lens