How are such complex tissues built and maintained? This is the key question we address in our research, using a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches.

We specifically aim to understand how cell-cell communication pathways can elicit specific, yet diverse responses depending on the developmental context. Driven by the notion that the same signals that control tissue morphogenesis and maintenance under healthy conditions become deregulated in disease, our research program is positioned at the intersection of developmental, stem cell and cancer biology.

Research lines:

• WNT signaling (PI: dr. Renée van Amerongen)
• BMP/Nodal signaling (PI: dr. Thijs van Boxtel)
• Mammary gland biology and breast cancer (PI: dr. Renée van Amerongen)
• Early mammalian development (PI: dr. Thijs van Boxtel)