Physics of multicellular systems, tissues, and organisms
Information about ongoing research.
Research synopsis
The emergence of multicellularity represented a critical event in the evolution of life. It is the reason why complex lifeforms possess tissues and specialised organs that carry out different functions. There is a huge diversity of tissue sizes, shapes and patterns across the wide variety of organisms on Earth. But how do multicellular systems physically form?
To answer this question, we must understand the fundamental design principles that shape and pattern our tissues. How do individual cell decisions lead to emergent collective tissue behaviour? How do cells communicate with each other within and across tissues? How do tissues undergo complex morphological changes to form robust 3D structures that are key to their fate and functions? How do tissues maintain homeostasis and repair themselves upon injury? These are just some of the questions we study in this theme, using a broad range of model tissues and organisms, coupled with principles and tools from biology and physics.
People
Yanlan Mao (Theme Lead)