RESEARCH INTERESTS

Our laboratory investigates mechanisms governing early vertebrate development. We employ a wide range of experimental approaches, including biochemical, molecular, cell biological, genetic, multi-omic, and optogenetic approaches. Our studies are carried out in the amphibian Xenopus and zebrafish. We focus on the following research areas:

Cytoplasmic remodeling during vertebrate oocyte-to-embryo transition (OET)

As the only developmental process that allows differentiated cells to regain totipotency, the OET is crucial for reproduction. The OET occurs when the entire genome is silenced. It is regulated solely by post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. It is well known that regulation of gene expression during the OET relies on the remodeling of cellular organelles and maternal gene products stored in the oocyte. How these remodeling events are precisely regulated remains unclear.

We have discovered several novel remodeling mechanisms during the OET, including the compartmentalization of proteasome, the remodeling of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and RNA phase transition. These remodeling events during the OET are pivotal for the maternal-to-zygotic transition and cellular differentiation during early embryonic development. Our current efforts are focused on 1) how remodeling of the ER influences cell fate determination and cellular differentiation during early development; and 2) the function and regulation of RNA phase transition during the OET.

Maternal control of germline development

Many animals specify the germline through the inheritance of membrane-less aggregates, referred to as the germ plasm. Germ plasm is highly dynamic and contains germline determinants synthesized during early oogenesis. We have been studying the functions of germ plasm components and the germ plasm dynamics during oogenesis and in the early embryo.

Signal transduction during early embryonic development

We have a long-standing interest in studying major developmental signaling pathways, including the Wnt, Hedgehog, and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase pathways, etc. We are particularly interested in the mechanisms by which reversible protein phosphorylation modulates signaling pathways during development. One of our ongoing efforts is to develop optogenetic tools that allow us to control signaling pathways in the embryo by blue light.