IPLS Seminar "Paired Talk" - Prof Andy Oates (UCL/LMCB, NIMR, Francis Crick Institute) and Dr David Jörg (MPI-PKS, Dresden, Germany)

Title: Wave Phenomena in Embryonic Patterning

Abstract: Recurrent processes are a general feature of living systems, from the cell cycle to circadian rhythms to hibernation cycles. During development and life, numerous recurrent processes are controlled by genetic oscillators, a specific class of genetic regulatory networks characterized by oscillations in the level of gene expression products. A prominent example for such a process takes place during the embryonic development of vertebrates: the precursors of the vertebrae are formed through the rhythmic and sequential segmentation of the elongating body axis. In this talk, we will first give a brief introduction to genetic oscillators and their role in pattern formation during vertebrate segmentation. We will then present new results from a combined theoretical and experimental approach, showing that the timing of segmentation is regulated through the complex interplay of different time and length scales in a hitherto unanticipated way.

If you would like to meet with Andy and David, please contact An Tyrrell (a.tyrrell@ucl.ac.uk)