Dynamic and Multiscale Processes of Auto-Organization in Tissue Morphogenesis (PAOTiM)

Created in September 2021 at Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Sorbonne Université (Paris), the team is interdisciplinary in its foundation. From physics to molecular biology of the cells, we study how each one influences the other in establishing the specific cues necessary in developmental biology. With clearer insights of how mechanical and topographical features impact cell signalling, response and function, we aim at improving current designs and construction of  microphysiological systems with a higher reliability and better recapitulation of native conditions. Thanks to the synergetic contributions of microtechnology, developmental biology and physical dynamics, we are playing with local microenvironmental parameters like stiffness, co culture, morphogens and growth factors as well as interstitial and luminal flows (pressure and shear). We are interested in their individual roles as well as their dynamic collaboration and competition in the multiscale establishment of morphofunctional shapes through differentiation, homeostasis, ageing and disease. We collaborate with physicists, biologists, medical doctors and clinicians to focus on the right targets and build better models for fundamental research and applications in drug testing.

In particular, we are working on the development of a tubular, perfusable liver sinusoid on a chip, that is not embedded in extracellular matrix hydrogel, to better imitate and restore the in vivo native conditions inside an in vitro model that can simulate a healthy or diseased liver capillary. 

We are also working on the development of capillary beds using cell-laden hydrogels to study the communication between microvessels and surrounding tissues in the context of inflammation, fibrosis and cancer, in collaboration with multiple research centers and researchers in these fields.

Using our models, we expect to bring improved solutions in the field of research on hypertension, being one of the major health issues which principles of action remain elusive today. 

Last but not least, we strongly believe that one of the strengths of Science and Research is "understand to educate". This is why we are devoting time for outreach to the society at different levels, not only conventional article submission. In our teaching, we also try to discuss the latest progress made in developmental biology and biophysics; and not only to the students sitting in our classes, but to our colleagues who often feel like they belong to two different worlds with different languages that are incompatible. 

We believe in our strengths but always work to correct our flaws and improve on our weaknesses.