Molecular and cellular basis of embryonic morphogenesis: The process by which embryos acquire their final shape involves the coordination of cell fate decisions with cell movement. Those at the Wallingford Lab are taking an integrated approach to understanding this process in chordate embryos. They combine molecular manipulations, time-lapse imaging, and old-fashioned cut & paste embryology to investigate molecular signaling, individual cell behavior, and tissue rearrangement. By considering all of these components and how they affect the final body plan, they hope to build a comprehensive picture of early embryonic morphogenesis. Current projects include: Molecular regulation of neural tube closure; Dishevelled, planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling, and convergent extension; Mechanisms of axis elongation in Xenopus and Ciona; and calcium signaling in convergent extension.