Multicellular Dynamics

The Multicellular Dynamics Department integrates multidisciplinary research to understand how eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells sense, adapt, and organize into complex systems across scales, from molecular networks to tissues and ecosystems. By combining microbiology, cell biology, genetics, biophysics, and computational modelling, the department explores the fundamental principles that govern adaptation, development, and multicellular organization.

One focus lies in microbial systems, where regulatory networks controlling responses to nutrient limitation and environmental stress are dissected. Using omics and functional metagenomics, the department dissects complex signalling cascades. These efforts also address antibiotic resistance and support the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. In parallel, the department investigates how eukaryotic cells coordinate to form tissues and organs. Research on stem and progenitor cells, organ size control, and organoid self-organization reveals key mechanisms of morphogenesis and regeneration. Additional studies examine mechanobiology, epithelial dynamics, and cell polarity, linking physical forces and gene regulation to cellular behaviour.

Together, these approaches provide an integrated framework to understand multicellular dynamics with applications in biomedicine, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability.