The developing Xenopus epidermis has emerged as a powerful model for the study of self-organization in a mucociliary epithelium. Its surface consists of only four mature cell types: ionocytes, small secretary cells, mucus producing goblet cells, and multiciliated cells which beat directionally to generate flow and clear pathogens and debris. The organization and function of the Xenopus epidermis thus closely resembles that of the vertebrate airway. Our lab is currently investigating several aspects of the self-organizing ability of this tissue, as well as how disruption to cell spacing can lead to downstream disease states in both amphibians and humans.

Through a combination of cell culture and microsurgery techniques, developing eye tissue can be transplanted into blinded animals, which differentiates into morphologically complete eyes at the site of the graft.  Further, through the misexpression of specific ion channels in the host animal, we can promote afferent innervation of the developing eyes and guide innervation to specific targets.  Behavioral data using a visual associative learning assay reveal these eyes are functional, even when present at ectopic locations along the cranial-caudal axis.  This work has implications both in developmental neurobiology, where the role of membrane physiology in axon guidance is only beginning to be understood, as well as regenerative medicine, where scientists hope to one day implant and connect sensory structures grown in culture.