The development of an embryo is based on the coordination of the complex behavior of a large number of cells. Our lab is interested in unravel these dynamics by filming single cells inside the live embryo. We use a quantitative live imaging approach across different biological scales to visualize how embryonic cells cooperate to build an embryo from one single fertilized cell.

 

The bioimaging technology allows us to perform a comprehensive analysis from gene expression to subcellular mechanobiology in zebrafish and mouse embryos. We are particularly interested in the protective role of epithelial cells in tissue homeostasis, regeneration and immunity. 

 

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Epithelial phagocytic dynamics in early zebrafish embryos

images and videos from Nature 2021, 590:618–623         

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Endogenous errors in cell division of progenitor cells leading to cell death 

An apoptotic progenitor cell cleared by the surface epithelium (EVL)

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High number of apoptotic cells (red) cleared by the EVL under stress conditions  

Phagocytosis of an apoptotic cell (red) by an epithelial cell (F-actin in cyan)

Real-time dynamics of phagosome content processing in an epithelial cell