Welcome To Developmental Biology Group

For decades developmental biologists have been fascinated with one question, “How can a fertilized egg give rise to a complex multicellular organism?” This process requires cells in the developing embryo to divide migrate and differentiate in a coordinated fashion to create a functional organism. We at ARI are focused on understanding how behaviors of cells in the developing embryo direct distinct processes and how genes contribute to the overall development. We are using a diverse group of model organisms and paradigms to address some of the fundamental questions in animal development. These include Hydra, Drosophila, zebrafish and the chick embryo.

Some of the interesting topics that are currently under intense investigation are: Cell-cell communication, molecular basis of pattern formation and stress response, synapse formation at the neuromuscular junction, regulation of autophagy during development, heart development and regenration, blood vessel development, and stem cell biology. We are currently developing TALEN and CRISPR-Cas based genome editing techniques to be used for generating allele specific mutant organisms. Importantly, we foster collaborative research, and nurture relationships with multidisciplinary organizations from within and outside India.