Karen J. Liu

Combining Cas9 and dCas9 facilitates genome editing in genes associated with viability or welfare issues, or within paralogous gene clusters

This study shows that combining dCas9 and Cas9 improves viability and reduces off-target effects when editing genes linked to viability or paralogous clusters.

Dynamic modelling of human neural crest development using a bioengineered stem cell organoid system

This paper introduces a bioengineered stem cell organoid system to model human neural crest development, showing it recapitulates key developmental dynamics and can be used for cross-species validation.

The Actin regulator Mena promotes Wnt signalosome endocytosis and Wnt signalling.

This study identifies Mena as a key mediator of Wnt signalosome endocytosis, showing it promotes Wnt signaling by binding LRP5/6 and facilitating receptor uptake.

Neuroblastoma-associated ALK variants have distinct cellular and biochemical activities

This study investigates the functional effects of ALK variants in neural crest cells, showing that ALKF1174L increases migration and cytoskeletal protrusions through GSK3 binding.

CHD3 regulates BMP signalling response during cranial neural crest cell specification

This study shows CHD3 regulates BMP signaling during cranial neural crest cell specification by modulating chromatin accessibility and gene expression.

GSK3 and Lamellipodin balance lamellipodial protrusions and focal adhesion maturation in mouse neural crest migration

This study shows that GSK3 and Lamellipodin regulate lamellipodia formation and focal adhesion maturation in mouse neural crest migration.

The role of embryonic origins and suture proximity in repair of cranial bone

This study examines cranial bone repair in mice, showing that suture proximity affects repair efficiency and identifies neural crest-derived stem cells as key contributors.

Craniofacial dysmorphology in Down Syndrome is caused by increased dosage of Dyrk1a and at least three other genes

The paper identifies four Hsa21-orthologous genes, including Dyrk1a, that cause craniofacial dysmorphology in Down syndrome mouse models by reducing neural crest cell proliferation.

Novel truncating mutations in CTNND1 cause a dominant craniofacial and cardiac syndrome

The paper identifies novel truncating mutations in CTNND1 associated with craniofacial and cardiac anomalies, expanding the known phenotypic spectrum of the gene.

The osteogenic potential of the neural crest lineage may contribute to craniosynostosis

This study compares the osteogenic potential of neural crest and mesodermal osteoblasts in mouse models, finding neural crest-derived cells more efficient at generating bony nodules and capable of nucleating ossification centres when co-cultured with mesodermal cells.

GSK3 Controls Migration of the Neural Crest Lineage

This study identifies GSK3's role in regulating neural crest migration and shows its relevance in neuroblastoma cell migration.

Sonic hedgehog is required for neural crest-dependent patterning of the intrinsic tongue musculature

This study shows that Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is essential for patterning the intrinsic tongue muscles through cranial neural crest-derived mesenchyme in mice.

RAPGEF5 regulates nuclear transport of β-catenin

This study identifies RAPGEF5 as a regulator of β-catenin nuclear transport through Wnt signaling, independent of canonical import mechanisms.