Ann E. Sutherland

Ann E. Sutherland is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Her research focuses on cellular mechanisms of embryonic development, particularly in mouse models.

Education:

• BA in Biology from Wellesley College
• PhD in Anatomy from the University of California San Francisco

Sutherland's research program investigates cell behavior and morphogenesis during early mouse development, with emphasis on two key areas: the cellular mechanisms of implantation and gastrulation in the mouse embryo. Her laboratory employs genetic, cell biological, and live imaging approaches to understand the morphogenesis of the early mouse embryo. Specific research questions include understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying elongation of the primary axis of the embryo, as well as the interactions between the embryo and mother that promote and pattern the formation of the placenta.

Analysis of her publication record spanning from 2010 to 2024 reveals consistent focus on developmental biology, particularly in the areas of cell morphogenesis, embryonic axis formation, and implantation mechanisms. Her work demonstrates expertise in live imaging techniques, genetic approaches, and cell biological analyses of mouse embryonic development. Key themes across her publications include planar cell polarity signaling, convergent extension processes, trophoblast cell behavior, and the role of specific proteins in embryonic patterning.

Collaborations:

• Dr. Xiaowei Lu (Cell Biology, UVA)
• Dr. Ray Keller (Biology, UVA)
• Dr. Ammasi Periasamy (Keck Center for Cellular Imaging)
• Dr. Carol Burdsal (Bucknell University)

Sutherland maintains an active laboratory (Sutherland Lab) focused on developmental biology research, with ongoing projects examining amino acid signaling in embryo implantation, extracellular matrix effects on trophoblast behavior, and cell behaviors during gastrulation. Her work combines advanced imaging techniques with genetic approaches to unravel the cellular mechanisms underlying early mammalian development.