Prof. Adam C Martin

During embryonic development, masses of cells undergo dramatic rearrangements to organize into separate layers that will give rise to different parts of the body. This incredibly dynamic process is called gastrulation and is driven by cell shape changes that collectively deform the tissue. The Martin Lab is interested in imaging the dynamics of these cell shape changes and determining how mechanical forces are generated that drive massive tissue movements. We study these questions using the embryonic development of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, where cell shape changes and cytoskeletal dynamics can be readily imaged, quantified, and functionally dissected using a multidisciplinary approach.