Quantitative and dynamic analysis of limb regenerative signaling center interactions

Advisor: Can Aztekin

Location: Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society

Our previous work revealed key signaling center cell types driving appendage regeneration (Aztekin et al., Science 2019; Aztekin et al., Development 2021) and identified equivalent populations in mammals (Zhong et al., Nat Commun 2023). These cells act as potent organizers by secreting multiple ligands that induce proliferation, migration, and cell fate changes through overlapping morphogen gradients. However, the quantitative principles governing their function remain unknown. For example, does it matter whether five or five hundred signaling center cells are present—will they trigger the same cellular behaviors and regenerative outcomes?

 

To address this, we have recently established mammalian stem cell–based models that reconstitute these signaling centers in vitro (Skoufa et al., Science Advances 2025). These cultures enable highly controlled co-culture experiments to study how signaling center cells quantitatively and dynamically coordinate cell–cell interactions relevant for limb regeneration.

This project aims to uncover how signaling center cells and their morphogen gradients influence surrounding populations. By combining stem-cell-derived signaling center cultures, live-cell and quantitative imaging, single-cell sequencing, and mathematical modeling, we will establish a quantitative framework for regenerative signaling interactions.

 

The doctoral researcher will leverage mouse embryonic stem cell and human induced pluripotent stem cell culture, gene editing, live-cell and quantitative imaging, and single-cell transcriptomics. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Osvaldo Chara (University of Nottingham), who will lead the mathematical modeling aspects. This highly interdisciplinary project lies at the intersection of regenerative biology, synthetic biology, and quantitative biology, and is suitable for highly ambitious and organized candidates with a strong interest in stem cell biology, quantitative imaging, or computational modeling. Prior expertise in at least one of these domains is beneficial and expected.

More information about the research of the Aztekin Lab and a selection of recent publications can be found on his faculty page.

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Application deadline: 19 January 2026