The intestine performs one of the most essential functions of an animal organism, food absorption. We investigate three key aspects of the making of an intestine:
- Dynamics of the absorptive apical membrane
- Control of intestinal cell proliferation and terminal differentiation
- Coordinated intestinal morphogenesis
To answer these questions, we undertake a multiscale approach, from molecules to whole organism, using C. elegans as a model organism and intestinal organoids a mammalian non-animal model. Moreover, our collaborations with physicians allow us to address the clinical relevance of our discoveries. Our main tools are cutting-edge microscopy (Zeiss Airyscan, Random illumination Microscopy, laser nanoablations), and advanced genetic methods (endogenously tagged genes, time-/tissue-specific degrons, gene editing).
