Research Interests

Functional analysis of Wnt signalling pathways in development, tissue patterning and diseases

Secreted Wnt proteins plays a pivotal role in development and progression of disease like colorectal cancer. Work done mainly in Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit fly) over last 3 decades has identified several well-conserved molecular players of the Wnt protein mediated signalling pathways, however we are still far from understanding the mechanisms by which these signalling pathways regulate tissue growth and patterning. Particularly their role in patterning polarized epithelial tissues remains unknown.

We are using the Drosophila model to understand the processes regulating epithelial patterning. We use combinations of cell and developmental biology tools to investigate how Wnt proteins are secreted and how they regulating patterning of epithelial tissue.

• Understand mechanisms of Wnt protein secretion and signalling in polarized epithelium.

• To solve the issue of how Wnt morphogens regulate tissue growth and patterning.

• Investigate the relationship between Wnt signalling and intracellular vesicle trafficking.