Paris A. Skourides

This study shows calcium transients, mediated by PLC and calmodulin, are essential for multiciliated cell integration into the epithelium during Xenopus skin development.

This study shows Cep104 is essential for neural tube closure in Xenopus by regulating apical constriction and microtubule stability, beyond its known role in cilia and hedgehog signaling.

The paper develops two new mechanochemical vertex models of apical constriction during neural tube closure, incorporating Ca2+ signalling and mechanical interactions to better align with experimental observations.

The paper investigates the spatiotemporal roles of convergent extension and apical constriction in Xenopus neural tube closure, showing they occur in distinct stages and that surface ectoderm mechanics influence the process.