Sherwood Lab at Duke University
Cells and tissues are surrounded by extracellular matrix. Often viewed as a static styrofoam, studies are beginning to reveal that matrix is remarkably dynamic and plays central roles in development, tissue health and aging. We use C. elegans and state-of-the art genome editing, genetic, and live imaging techniques to examine the numerous functions and dynamic properties of basement membranes–the most ubiquitous extracellular matrix that enwraps all organs and tissues. Specifically we study:
Breaching basement membranes is the first step in cancer metastasis and we study anchor cell invasion to better understand how cancer cells are invasive.
Basement membranes also regulates stem cell niche formation and function and we study how basement membrane regulates the germ line stem cell niche.
Strikingly, we’ve found that a number of basement membrane components dynamically move within the matrix, suggesting they can rapidly convey information and adapt their properties.
Basement membranes are highly complex and have specific compositions tailored to meet each tissues needs–we study how basement membranes are constructed and turned over.
Illustration by A. Kawska (info@illuscientia
Basement membranes also connect tissues together, including at the blood brain barrier. We have developed the first experimental model to examine how basement membranes attach together.
