The extracellular matrix (ECM) is synthesized and secreted by embryonic cells beginning at
the earliest stages of development. Our understanding of ECM composition, structure and …

Basement membranes (BMs) are specialised extracellular matrix (ECM) structures and
collagens are a key component required for BM function. While collagen IV is the major BM …

The notochord is an embryonic midline structure common to all members of the phylum
Chordata, providing both mechanical and signaling cues to the developing embryo. In …

The intervertebral disc is a complex structure responsible for flexibility, multi-axial motion,
and load transmission throughout the spine. Importantly, degeneration of the intervertebral …

The identification of disease-causing mutations has in recent years progressed immensely
due to whole genome sequencing approaches using patient material. The task accordingly …

The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the major site of force transfer in skeletal muscle, and
defects in its structure correlate with a subset of muscular dystrophies. Col22a1 encodes the …

Type XV collagen is a non-fibrillar collagen that is associated with basement membranes
and belongs to the multiplexin subset of the collagen superfamily. Collagen XV was initially …

Congenital vertebral malformations (CVM) occur in 1 in 1000 live births and in many cases
can cause spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, and result in disability and distress of …

Organ formation is an inherently biophysical process, requiring large-scale tissue
deformations. Yet, understanding how complex organ shape emerges during development …

The development and growth of vertebrate axial muscle have been studied for decades at
both the descriptive and molecular level. The zebrafish has provided an attractive model …