Laboratory for Early Embryogenesis

We study molecular and cellular mechanisms of embryonic patterning and cell fate specification. The laboratory is specifically interested in understanding how signaling molecules can affect cellular behavior (morphology, migration and cell-cell interaction) during initial germ layer patterning, and how they can act together with local molecular cues in specifying cell fates. The research focuses on two aspects of early vertebrate development:
(1) the initial patterning of neural ectoderm and mesoderm territories by signals from the organizer and the primitive streak, and the influence of these signals on precursor cell behavior;
(2) the differentiation of posterior mesodermal precursors into hematopoietic and angiogenic cell lineages.
The laboratory combines classic embryology, molecular manipulation and advanced imaging techniques with chick as its main model organism, complemented by genetic analysis using mouse models.

Research Subjects

• Influence of signaling molecules on cell behavior during mesoderm and neural ectoderm patterning
• Differentiation of early hematopoietic and angiogenic lineages from posterior mesoderm precursors
• Biochemical nature of diverse functions of FGF signaling pathway in early embryogenesis

Publications

1. Bertocchini F, Alev C, Nakaya Y, Sheng G.:
   "A little winning streak: The reptilian-eye view of gastrulation in birds."
   Dev Growth Differ.55(1):52-9 (2013)
2. Sheng G, Foley AC.:
   "Diversification and conservation of the extraembryonic tissues in mediating nutrient uptake during amniote development."
   Ann N Y Acad Sci.127:97-103 (2012)
3. Nakazawa F, Alev C, Jakt LM, Sheng G.:
   "Yolk sac endoderm is the major source of serum proteins and lipids and is involved in the regulation of vascular integrity in early chick development."
   Dev Dyn.(8):2002-10 (2011)
4. Shin M, Alev C, Wu Y, Nagai H, Sheng G.:
   "Activin/TGF-beta signaling regulates Nanog expression in the epiblast during gastrulation."
   Mech Dev.28(5-6):268-78 (2011)
5. Nagai H, Lin MC, Sheng G.:
   "A modifed cornish pasty method for ex ovo culture of the chick embryo."
   Genesis.49(1):46-52 (2011)
6. Nagai H, Mak SS, Weng W, Nakaya Y, Ladher R, Sheng G.:
   "Embryonic development of the emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae."
   Dev Dyn.240(1):162-75 (2011)
7. Nakaya Y, Sukowati EW, Alev C, Nakazawa F, Sheng G.:
   "Involvement of dystroglycan in epithelial-mesenchymal transition during chick gastrulation."
   Cells Tissues Organs.193(1-2):64-73 (2011)
8. Alev C, Wu Y, Kasukawa T, Jakt LM, Ueda HR, Sheng G.:
   "Transcriptomic landscape of the primitive streak."
   Development.137(17):2863-74 (2010)
9. Sheng G.:
   "Primitive and definitive erythropoiesis in the yolk sac: a bird's eye view."
   Int J Dev Biol.54(6-7):1033-43 (2010)
10. Alev C, McIntyre BA, Ota K, Sheng G.:
    "Dynamic expression of Endoglin, a TGF-beta co-receptor, during pre-circulation vascular development in chick."
    Int J Dev Biol.54(4):737-42 (2010)