Our latest paper shows that neuroepithelial cells undergo high-amplitude apical constriction synchronised with cell cycle progression but the timing of their constriction if influenced by tissue geometry. We observe this in mouse and chick embryos, as well as in human iPSC-derived neuroepithelial cells cultured on either flat or curved surfaces. We find this human cell model particularly tractable, except that it requires daily medium changes to keep the cells happy!

Check out our latest pre-print in which we quantify the mechanical forces generated by the closing neural tube in chick embryos. it still feels like science fiction: massive congratulations to Eirini for completing this exciting work.

You can access the pre-print on Research Square, here.

Eirini spent a very long time looking at chick neuropores closing during live-imaging on our two-photon microscope yesterday. By the end of the session it felt like they were talking to her…

Sometimes you really need to look away from the monitor/eyepiece.