Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Epithelial Cell Function

Brian Mitchell, PhD, is an associate professor of Cell and Developmental Biology. His laboratory aims to understand the integration of cell signaling and cytoskeletal dynamics on diverse developmental processes including centriole amplification, cell migration and cell polarity. He is also a member of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and the Skin Biology and Diseases Resource-Based Center.   

What are your research interests? 

Broadly speaking, I am interested in the cell biology and biomechanics of ciliated epithelia. This type of epithelial cell is found in numerous tissues, such as the trachea and reproductive tract, where it functions to generate directed fluid flow. We utilize the developing frog embryo as a simplified system that allows us to image how ciliated epithelia form and function.  

What is the ultimate goal of your research? 

I have tried to stay true to my passion for basic curiosity-driven science. To the extent possible, we let the science take us in new directions which has allowed us to study fundamental aspects of how cells polarize, how they migrate through tissue barriers, how they extrude from tissues and how they scale size and structure. 

How did you become interested in this area of research? 

I am a very visual person and early on I got hooked on microscopy. A common theme running through our research projects is the use of state-of-the-art imaging techniques to visualize biological processes happening in living tissues. 

What types of collaborations are you engaged in across campus (and beyond)? 

Collaborations both locally and around the world are an integral part of our work. We have an ongoing project with the Parvez lab here at NU utilizing their unique screening tools to identify novel genetic variants for the disease primary ciliary dyskinesia. Additionally, we have collaborations in both the U.K. and Germany to perform mathematical modeling of a cellular process called macropinocytosis and how it affects tissue homeostasis. 

Where have you recently published your work? 

We have recently published papers in Nature Communications, Developmental Biology, Development, eLife, Developmental Cell and Cell Reports. 

Who inspires you?  

I am always inspired and energized by the enthusiasm and passion of my trainees. The excitement that they show when they discover something new or get something challenging to work is what makes being a scientist the greatest job on earth.