https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3829-0168
Overview
Cellular and physiologic mechanisms controlling morphogenesis
Our laboratory is interested in studying how basic cellular processes define the shape and size of complex multicellular structures such as organs. Fluid movement into enclosed lumenal or intracellular spaces creates hydrostatic pressure that can serve as a driving force for organogenesis and long range morphogenetic events such as axis elongation.
Our major focus is to study how biological tubes are assembled and to understand the role hydrostatic pressure plays as a developmental force.
Using zebrafish we investigate:
1) Regulation of fluid secretion and the role of fluid pressure in organogenesis.
2) Role of Lysosome Rich Enterocytes (LREs) in protein absorption and physiology.
3) The biogenesis and function of fluid-filled vacuoles in the notochord during embryogenesis and spine morphogenesis.
4) Cellular mechanisms controlling epithelial polarization and lumen formation in the gut tube.
Our laboratory is interested in studying how basic cellular processes define the shape and size of complex multicellular structures such as organs. Fluid movement into enclosed lumenal or intracellular spaces creates hydrostatic pressure that can serve as a driving force for organogenesis and long range morphogenetic events such as axis elongation.
Our major focus is to study how biological tubes are assembled and to understand the role hydrostatic pressure plays as a developmental force.
Using zebrafish we investigate:
1) Regulation of fluid secretion and the role of fluid pressure in organogenesis.
2) Role of Lysosome Rich Enterocytes (LREs) in protein absorption and physiology.
3) The biogenesis and function of fluid-filled vacuoles in the notochord during embryogenesis and spine morphogenesis.
4) Cellular mechanisms controlling epithelial polarization and lumen formation in the gut tube.
Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Nanaline Duke Distinguished Professor
·
2023 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2008 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Affiliate of the Duke Regeneration Center
·
2021 - Present
Duke Regeneration Center,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Scholarly Works
The mouse neonatal small intestine is regionally specialized for protein absorption and transepithelial transport.
Journal article Development · December 1, 2025 In neonates, gastric protein digestion is limited, requiring specialized mechanisms for intestinal protein absorption. While neonatal enterocytes are thought to mediate endocytosis, degradation and transcytosis of dietary proteins, whether these activities ... Full text Link to item CiteTissue-wide, synchronous Erk oscillations time the segmentation of the zebrafish notochord.
Journal article bioRxiv · September 2, 2025 The generation of a periodic body plan is a fundamental property of vertebrates. While biological oscillators provide a mechanism for timing the formation of repeated structures, few examples of signaling oscillators have been identified in development. He ... Full text Link to item CiteProtein absorption in the zebrafish gut is regulated by interactions between lysosome rich enterocytes and the microbiome.
Journal article Elife · March 13, 2025 Dietary protein absorption in neonatal mammals and fishes relies on the function of a specialized and conserved population of highly absorptive lysosome-rich enterocytes (LREs). The gut microbiome has been shown to enhance absorption of nutrients, such as ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Transcriptional and environmental regulation of lysosome-rich enterocytes
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2026 - 2031Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2026 - 2031Genetics and Genomics Training Grant
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2026 - 2031View All Grants
Education
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Germany) ·
2002
Ph.D.
Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (Spain) ·
1998
B.S.