Nuclear migration is a vital process in the establishment of multicellular living systems. Failure in the relocation of the cell nucleus can result in breast, ovarian, colorectal and lung cancers, muscular dystrophies and embryo development failure. The mechanisms and mechanics responsible for the migration of the nucleus remain poorly understood. With this study, we propose to unveil the fundamental principles underlying nuclear migration. To that end, we will use the Drosophila melanogaster model that provides powerful manipulation and imaging tools. More specifically, we will study the nuclear migration establishing the syncytial blastordem during early embryogenesis. Such 3D dynamic process is up to today not well understood and not very well characterized. Given the opacity of the early Drosophila embryo, no study was able to record and unravel the precise movement of the dividing nuclei in 3D from the first nuclear division. By using cutting-edge light sheet microscopy, AI-based big-data image processing, laser-based manipulation and computational modelling, this study will open a new avenue to better understand the process of nuclear migration in developing organisms.

 

Beginning on the 1st of October 2025
Contact: Matteo RAUZI