Developmental Biology Research Programme

University of Helsinki
Headed by Professor Irma Thesleff
tel. +358 9 191 59401
e-mail irma.thesleff@helsinki.fi

Centre of Excellence Homepage

The research programme is concerned with the mechanisms that control embryonic development in mammals. An area of special interest is intercellular communication at gene and molecule level, which governs the formation of all organs and tissues as well as the differentiation of cells.

The model animals used in the programme are mice. Cell and organ culture techniques have been developed for the analysis of embryonic tissues. The programme produces transgenic mice in which the functions of the signal molecules have been modified. Several different mouse lines are used as models for human diseases, particularly developmental disorders and cancer. These animal models can be used to develop new methods for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.