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Kathy Hardy - Univ. of Arizona Dept. of Cell Biology & Anatomy

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Kathy Hardy

Mentor: Parker Antin

Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) are a common feature of vertebrate embryogenesis and are required for the normal development of every organ system. Our lab is investigating some of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the process of gastrulation; the earliest EMT in vertebrate embryogenesis. More specifically, we are studying the role of Ephs and ephrins in gastrulation, and how signaling through these molecules influences the onset of EMT. These signaling molecules are particularly interesting because both receptor (eph) and ligand (ephrin) are membrane-bound and signaling, thus, requires cell-cell contact. Signaling may elicit cell repulsion or adhesion events via bidirectional pathways through the receptor and ligand. My interests lie specifically in the downstream signaling pathway(s) that facilitate repulsion or adhesion events in this context. We use an avian model system and are employing various experimental techniques including electroporation (see picture) to investigate the effects of overexpression or knock-down of eph and ephrin expression in gastrulating embryos ex ovo.  These studies, along with investigations into possible interactions with other signaling pathways, are ongoing.     

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