Developmental Biology of Birth Defects

The Developmental Biology of Birth Defects (DBBD) Section employs genetic techniques together with cellular, molecular and developmental biology to elucidate mechanisms of morphogenesis and how these are disrupted in human birth defects, including childhood tumours. 

Active areas of investigation include spinal cord and brain development, pituitary development, tumour pathogenesis, craniofacial malformation, renal defects and cardiovascular morphogenesis. 

Basic research is complemented by clinical translation, for instance through improving diagnosis and treatment of birth defects, the use of micronutrients in prevention of congenital disease, VEGF as a therapy in cystic kidney disease, novel treatments against paediatric brain tumours and efforts towards tissue engineering.

Research Groups

Section Head

Dr Paula Alexandre

DBBD Principal Investigators

Dr Paula Alexandre
Professor Andy Copp
Dr Jennie Chandler
Dr Gabriel Galea
Dr Nav Johal
Professor Nicholas Greene
Dr Kenzo Ivanovitch
Professor Tom Jacques
Professor David Long
Professor J.P. Martinez-Barbera
Dr Erwin Pauws
Professor Rukshana Shroff