The Hsu laboratory focuses on the global objectives of understanding how embryos develop from a single cell to a complex organism, how genes control the development of organs, and how abnormal regulation of these genes resulted in human diseases. They are investigating the genetic control of cellular signaling and signal transduction mechanisms. By delineating these regulatory networks underlying normal developmental processes, they hope to advance the knowledge base of human diseases, leading to novel molecular therapies for the treatment of these diseases. To achieve their goals, they are focusing on (1) characterizing morphogenetic signaling pathways that regulate mammalian development (specifically wnt-axin pathway), (2) elucidating the mechanism by which these developmental signals regulate cell growth, differentiation and survival, and (3) creating mouse models to study the molecular basis of human diseases.