Aissam Ikmi

This paper introduces a mobile optical coherence microscope for high-resolution, label-free imaging of aquatic organisms in both lab and field settings, enabling detailed morphological and dynamic analysis.

This study shows that loss of Twist in Nematostella vectensis impairs tentacle development and causes epithelial neoplasia, highlighting its role in tissue patterning and homeostasis.

The paper identifies a pressure-sensitive aboral valve in cnidarians that regulates hydraulic pressure during morphogenesis through mesogleal basement membrane dynamics.

This study identifies an ancient monoaminergic system in sponges that coordinates contractility through tryptamine signaling, predating neurons.

The paper identifies conserved matrisomal networks in sea anemones that coordinate life history transitions through proteomic and transcriptomic analysis.

The paper identifies biomechanical modules that govern larval shape diversity across six cnidarian species and shows how manipulating these modules can transform shapes between species.

This study shows that local regeneration in sea anemones triggers a systemic homeostatic response leading to whole-body tissue remodeling through proteolysis driven by metalloproteases.

The paper shows how muscular hydraulic behavior in Nematostella vectensis drives larva-polyp morphogenesis through antagonistic muscle pressures.

The paper studies feeding-dependent tentacle development in Nematostella vectensis, showing that TOR and FGFRb pathways coordinate post-embryonic patterning with food availability.