My laboratory studies how planar cell polarity is regulated during complex migration events such as the collective movement of embryonic zebrafish gastrula cells. We use a combination of in vivo methodologies in the zebrafish embryo and in vitro techniques in human cancer cells to identify underlying molecular mechanisms. We are particularly interested in understanding how components of the planar cell polarity pathway interact with other regulators of cell migration including matrix metalloproteinases, integrins, fibronectin, and cadherins. Students in my lab approach these questions using multiple techniques: molecular methods, immunolabeling, western blot, in situ hybridization, mRNA and CRISPR microinjection of zebrafish embryos, time-lapse and confocal microscopic imaging, and human cell culture.

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