Ritsuko Takada

This study shows that Wnt11 and core PCP components interact reciprocally to establish cell polarity in Xenopus embryos without relying on Wnt gradients.

The paper develops a limb-mesenchymal organoid system and models to show that digit-like structures form through mechanochemical instabilities involving cell adhesion, chemotaxis, and convergent-extension.

The paper shows that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are dynamically polarized during vertebrate neural tube formation, interacting with Wnt11 and core PCP components to establish planar cell polarity.