BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Talks.cam//talks.cam.ac.uk//
X-WR-CALNAME:Talks.cam
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Mechano-hydraulic control of mammalian folliculogenesis - Chai Jou
  (Joe) Chen (MBI Singapore) (co-hosted with TLM) 
DTSTART:20250616T133000Z
DTEND:20250616T143000Z
UID:TALK233029@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Jia CHEN
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \n\nThe maturation of functional eggs in ovarian fol
 licles is a critical process during early mammalian development. However\,
  the underlying mechanisms driving robust follicle growth remain enigmatic
 . Recent studies showed that follicle growth is sensitive to mechanical en
 vironment\, calling for a need to understand mechanical signalling within 
 follicles. Here\, we investigate the mechanical functions of theca cells (
 TCs) that encapsulate the follicles. Combining bioengineered ex vivo assay
 s with biophysical and molecular approaches\, we demonstrate that the cont
 ractile TCs exert compressive stress to tune intra-follicular pressure\, t
 hereby regulating oocyte signalling and follicle growth. We further showed
  that TC YAP signalling\, proliferation and migration are tuned by substra
 te stiffness and curvature. Interestingly\, spontaneous TC flow regulates 
 selective growth of follicles in a doublet\, augmenting their role in foll
 icle growth competition during ovarian development. Finally\, I will prese
 nt findings on the role of cell death and cell-cell interfacial tension in
  driving self-tuned criticality and phase separation during luminogenesis 
 at later stage of development. By modelling the follicular interior as a b
 inary fluid\, we can recapitulate the distinct morphological features of l
 umen and their dynamics in various follicle stages. Collectively\, our stu
 dies highlight the importance of mechanical stress and tissue hydraulics i
 n controlling the maturation of functional eggs that are crucial for futur
 e embryogenesis.
LOCATION:in person at Sainsbury Laboratory and online
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR