Crystal structure of laminin-511 E8 fragment
Our long-term goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern the morphogenetic interactions of cells with surrounding extracellular matrices.
We are particularly interested in the role of basement membranes in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis with an emphasis on the molecular interactions of basement membrane proteins with their receptors on the cell surface and the resulting signaling events that regulate proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and motility of cells.
Emphasis is also given to fabrication of a "designer matrix", the 2D and 3D culture substrates customized for individual cell types including pluripotent and tissue stem cells to promote regenerative medicine.