Integration of Nodal, BMP, and FGF-triggered signalling pathways and their control of cell fate decisions (B04)

• Subject Area: Developmental Biology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550938463

Vertebrate development is largely controlled by extracellular triggers, but it remains unclear how cells integrate simultaneous inputs from Nodal, BMP, and FGF signalling to make precise cell fate decisions. While kinase-triggered activation of signalling effectors has been extensively studied, the roles of phosphatases in modulating signal strength and duration are not well understood. Using chemical optogenetics, phospho-proteomics, and CRISPR screening, we will determine how signalling effectors and phosphatases mediate this crosstalk. By integrating these findings with computational modelling, we will reveal how multimodal signals collectively generate robust cell fates.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1756: Chemical and Biological Principles of Cellular Trigger Responses
• Applicant Institution: Universität Konstanz
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Patrick Müller, Ph.D.