Exploring the role of glypicans in modulating morphogen signalling and stem cell dynamics

In order to build and maintain complex tissues cells communicate with each other to coordinate their actions. They do so by sending signalling molecules to each other. A breakdown in communication leads to abnormal development and disease states, including intestinal cancers. Hence it is vital to understand how signals are packaged, transported and recognized by cells. Using molecular biology and Drosophila genetics I will elucidate how glypican proteins facilitate the spread of signalling molecules between cells and their recognition on intended recipient cells. Then by altering glypican expression in the mouse intestine, I will investigate what role glypicans play in sending and receiving signals in vivo in the mammalian intestine and if they are needed for intestinal regeneration and health. A thorough understanding of glypican function in cell-to-cell communication is expected to facilitate the design of therapeutic interventions to treat diseases such as intestinal cancers that arise from aberrant signalling.