Working Group Huang
The research of my group focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic development. We are working with the chicken embryo as a model organism that is easy to manipulate using classical and molecular approaches. We are particularly interested in the signaling mechanisms that control cell fate decisions. For example, we are studying how muscles, cartilage, bones and tendons develop, and how the axial identity of mesodermal derivatives is determined, among other things.
Research
The main focus of our research group is developmental biology. One project deals with the formation of the spinal column, which develops from the somites, the embryonic segments. In particular, the formation of a morphogen gradient is being investigated. A further project focuses on the development of the extremities and the shoulder girdle. In addition, the group is investigating the axonal pathfinding of the accessorius nerve, which has an unusual peripheral course.
The hypaxial origin of the epaxially located rhomboid muscles
Saberi M, Pu Q, Valasek P, Norizadeh-Abbariki T, Patel K, Huang R.
Ann Anat. 214:15-20 (2017)
The unique axon trajectory of the accessory nerve is determined by intrinsic properties of the neural tube in the avian embryo
Bai Z, Pu Q, Haque Z, Wang J, Huang R.
Ann Anat. 205:85-9 (2016)
Further Publications
Occipital somites guide motor axons of the accessory nerve in the avian embryo. Qin Pu, Zhongtian Bai, Ziaul Haque, Jianlin Wang, Ruijin Huang Neuroscience 246:22-27
Temporal sequence in the formation of midline dermis and dorsal vertebral elements in developing birds. Pu Q, Christ B, Huang R J Anat 211, 115-120
The occipital lateral plate mesoderm – a novel source for vertebrate neck musculaturem. Theis S., Patel K., Valasek P., Otto A., Pu Q., Harel I., Tzahor E., Tajbakhsh S., Christ B., Huang R. Development 137, 2961-2971
2007
FGFs, Wnts and BMP4 mediate induction of VEGFR-2 (Quek1) expression during avian somite development. Nimmagadda S, Geetha Loganathan P, Scaal M, Christ B, Huang R Dev Biol. 305(2):421-9
2005
The formation of the avian scapula blade takes place in the hypaxial domain of the somites and requires somatopleure-derived BMP signals. Baigang Wang, Liwen He, Florian Ehehalt, Poongodi Geetha-Loganathan, Suresh Nimmagadda, Bodo Christ, Martin Scaal, Ruijin Huang Dev Biol. 287:11-8
Cells of all somitic compartments are determined with respect to segmental identity. Dieuguie Fomenou M, Scaal M, Stockdale, Christ B, Huang R Dev Dyn 233: 1386-93
2003
Ventral axial organs regulate expression of myotomal Fgf8 that influences rib development. Huang R, Stolte D, Kurz H, Ehehalt F, Cann GM, Stockdale FE, Patel K, Christ B. Dev Biol. 255, 3047
2000
Sclerotomal origin of the ribs. Huang, R., Zhi, Q., Schmidt, C., Wilting, J., Brand-Saberi, B. Christ, B. Development 127, 527-532
Dual origin and segmental organization of the avian scapula. Huang, R., Zhi, Q., Patel, K., Wilting, J. and Christ, B. Development 127, 378994