Martin Lab
Principal Investigator: Adam Christopher Martin
Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
Primary Subfield: Molecular & Cell Bio
Recruitment Status: Inquire for rotation/fellowship opportunities
Research Focus
Project Summary/Abstract The one-dimensional sequence of the genome encodes for the complex 3-dimensional structure of developing tissues. Gene regulatory networks encode for signals to be produced at specific times and places to induce an array of cell behaviors. Cell contractility is one behavior that leads to force transmission and results in cell and tissue shape changes critical to morphogenesis. Central to our approach is rigorous quantitative analysis of live and fixed embryos, collaboration with theorists who develop mathematical models to make predictions based on our measurements, and genetics to test these predictions. Our research revolves around a key regulator of contractility, the RhoA GTPase. We have defined signals that serve to regulate RhoA and contractility. We know that G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling define different cell types in the embryo and elicit a vast repertoire of cell behaviors. Because of the varied cell types, one can consider the embryo as a composite material containing numerous cell types with different mechanical properties and cell behaviors. Because of this heterogeneity, key knowledge gaps inclu…
Active NIH Awards
- 2R35GM144115-06: Tissue morphogenesis: From signals to forces (2026)
- 5R35GM144115-05: Tissue morphogenesis: From signals to forces (2026)
- 5R35GM144115-04: Tissue morphogenesis: From signals to forces (2025)
- 5R35GM144115-03: Tissue morphogenesis: From signals to forces (2024)
- 3R35GM144115-03S1: Tissue morphogenesis: From signals to forces (2024)
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