Deciphering how complex organ form emerges in development
Professor Timothy Saunders

Abstract: Our internal organs have specific three-dimensional morphologies essential for their efficient function. Defects in morphogenesis lead to diseases in adults – for example, over 40% of adult heart disease can be traced to a developmental context. Yet, we know remarkably little about the physical processes underlying internal organ morphogenesis. Here, I present quantitative analysis of early muscle formation in zebrafish. This system is highly accessibly to live imaging and is enabling us to decipher the biophysical mechanisms helping to build the first skeletal muscle structures. In particular, we explore how organogenesis can be so robust in the face of challenges during development.