Epithelial morphogenesis and cell polarity

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"Epithelial cell polarity specification and maintenance is a key problem in cell biology. The vast majority of cancers in human originate from epithelia (i.e. Breast, Colon, Lung, Kidney, etc.) and a major hallmark of tumourogenesis is a progressive loss of epithelial cell polarity. We are studying this problem using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, coming with an unparalleled genetic toolbox, and thus allowing us to manipulate the function of virtually every single gene present in its genome. While up to 80% of the genes associated with diseases in human are conserved in Drosophila, they are often present as one single gene, which is ideal to study a gene function, as very little redundancy is present. Using this approach, we are making significant progresses toward characterizing the molecular basis for establishing and maintaining epithelial cell polarity. This is particularly relevant for better tackling the process of tumorogenesis and metastasis, as these are characterized by a loss of epithelial cell polarity."