T. E. Saunders

Receptor binding and tissue architecture explain the morphogen local-to-global mobility transition

The paper shows that tissue architecture and receptor binding can explain the transition from local to global morphogen diffusion, without needing additional regulatory mechanisms.

The positioning mechanics of microtubule asters in Drosophila embryo explants

The paper investigates microtubule aster positioning in Drosophila embryos, finding that asters generate pushing forces that separate them and contribute to nuclear positioning.

Curvature-induced cell rearrangements in biological tissues

This study investigates how curvature gradients and anisotropy drive apicobasal T1 transitions in epithelial tissues through competing mechanical mechanisms.

Optogenetic control of YAP can enhance the rate of wound healing

This study uses optogenetic YAP to enhance wound healing in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts by promoting collective cell migration rather than proliferation.

Protective geometry and reproductive anatomy as candidate determinants of clutch size variation in pentatomid bugs

The paper investigates clutch size variation in pentatomid bugs, finding that reproductive anatomy, specifically ovariole number, plays a more significant role than egg mass geometry in determining clutch size uniformity.

Echolocation-like model of directed cell migrationwithin growing tissues

The paper proposes an echolocation-like model for directed cell migration in growing tissues, showing it can align cells at stable positions and scale with system size, with relevance to fibroblast migration in zebrafish.

Slit-Robo Signalling Establishes a Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Gradient to Polarise Fin Mesenchyme and Establish Fin Morphology

The paper shows that Slit-Robo signaling coordinates with S1P to polarize fin mesenchyme and establish fin morphology in zebrafish.

Optogenetic manipulation of YAP cellular localisation and function

This paper develops optoYAP, an optogenetic tool to control YAP localization and function, showing it can regulate gene expression, proliferation, and growth in cell culture and zebrafish embryos.

Aster repulsion drives local ordering in an active system

The paper shows that microtubule-mediated repulsion between asters drives short-ranged ordering in Drosophila embryos.

A molecular approach to studying Hymenoptera diets using polistine wasps

This study develops a method to determine the overall diet of nest-building Hymenoptera using DNA from faeces in brood cells, revealing seasonal diet variation and predation of marine organisms.

Shaping the zebrafish myotome by differential friction and active stress

This study investigates how differential friction and active stress contribute to the formation of the zebrafish myotome's chevron shape through mechanical coupling and tissue plasticity.