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The tissues and organs of
developing embryos are organised by cell-to-cell signalling.
These interactions are mediated by a relatively small number
of signalling molecules. These signals are repeatedly used
at different stages of development and in different tissues
of the embryo. Wnts are one important class of such
signalling molecules. They are secreted glycoproteins which
function as cell-to-cell signals in develomental processes
in all multicellular animals examined. Abnormally activated
Wnt signalling is also involved in certain types of tumours
such as breast and colon cancer. We want to understand the normal
role of Wnt signalling in patterning the developing
vertebrate embryo. Where and when are Wnts used during
embryogenesis and what is their function in different organs
and at different stages? We have recently analysed the
molecular mechanisms of tissue-specific Wnt signalling and
are currently studying Wnt function in heart and brain
development. We use Xenopus as our model system and apply
modern techniques, such as transgenesis and antisense
oligos.
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