Nr6a1 integrates key molecular and cellular events to control trunk formation in the mouse

My PhD study focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying vertebrate axial elongation and how vertebral number is determined in an animal. During embryogenesis, vertebrate main-body axis is laid down in an anterior-to-posterior (head-to-tail) direction. In McGlinn group, I used mouse as in vivo model for dissecting the role of specific genes during embryogenesis, and I also used embryonic stem cell-based in vitro culture system for further studying the role of genes in cell activities. In my PhD, I discovered that Nuclear receptor subfamily 6 group A member 1 (Nr6a1) is a master regulator controlling vertebral number, vertebral identity and involving in the cell fate determination within the progenitor cells.