Our approach combines quantitative analyzes of gene expression and the use of advanced genetic tools. For instance, we produce and carry out gene interaction assays with mutant and transgenic lines, as well as edited animals produced in the laboratory. In situ hybridization analysis is another essential tool that we frequently employ in our laboratory to map spatial patterns of gene expression during development, an important step in defining the function of endogenous genes, allowing us to understand and precisely map the processes involved in the control of gene expression.

Large-scale genomic studies and in vivo analysis of cellular dynamics are other techniques used that allow us to uncover how different genes interact to determine cellular differentiation with spatial and temporal precision.

If you would like to know a little more about the topics we study in the lab, you may access the reviews below, or take a look at our group’s publications.

– About how the spatial distribution of BMP morphogens is important for the development of different structures:

Araujo, Helena; Fontenele, Marcio Ribeiro; da Fonseca, Rodrigo Nunes; Araujo, H. (2011). Position matters: Variability in the spatial pattern of BMP modulators generates functional diversity. genesis 49(9): 698-718.

– About the Evolution of BMPs roles in insects:

De Andrade, Daniel Bressan; Araujo, Helena Marcolla. Evolution of the dorsoventral axis in insects: the changing role of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins. Current Opinion in Insect Science. , v.o, p.o – , 2021.

– About modulatory proteases of the Calpain Family:

Araujo, Helena; Julio, Alison; Cardoso, Maira. Translating genetic, biochemical and structural information to the calpain view of development. Mechanisms of Development. , v.154, p.240 – 250, 2018.