The coordination of cell fate decisions is essential for organogenesis and cell population renewal. Deciphering the underlying mechanisms is a central issue in developmental biology, which can provide insight into disease. The establishment of the correct cell fates and architecture is crucial for the ability of the liver to function. Many transcription factors are known to be required for liver development, but the signaling pathways that transmit extracellular signals remain unclear.

The Huppert lab's initial goal is to examine the role of the Notch extracellular signaling pathway in coordinating cell fate decisions during liver organogenesis. Lab members will use two main methods: 1) ex vivo mouse organ and embryonic stem cultures, incorporating both genetic and pharmacological loss of function models; and 2) in vivo chimeric and conditional mutant mouse models.  Using these methods they will be able to specifically investigate two main cell fate decisions during liver development: 1) Induction of liver versus pancreas primordium from the foregut endoderm and 2) Differentiation of hepatoblasts into either hepatocytes or cholangiocytes/biliary epithelial cells.

For more information about Dr. Huppert visit her Vanderbilt Faculty Page or her Lab Website

NEWEST PUBLICATIONS

Analysis of transmembrane domain mutants is consistent with sequential cleavage of Notch by gamma-secretase. Journal of Neurochemistry (2006) 98: 2043

Analysis of Notch Function in Presomitic Mesoderm Suggests a Gamma-Secretase-Independent Role for Presenilins in Somite Differentiation.  Developmental Cell (2005) 8: 677-688

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