Xavier Morin

Xavier Morin is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS), leading a research team focused on cell division and neurogenesis within the Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS). His work explores the mechanisms governing asymmetric divisions of neural progenitors in vertebrate spinal cord development, emphasizing the role of mitotic spindle orientation and signaling pathways like Notch. Key projects include studying Mindbomb1 (Mib1) distribution in neural progenitors and its influence on cell fate decisions.

Research interests revolve around understanding how asymmetric cell divisions regulate neural stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, with implications for developmental disorders like microcephaly. His team uses advanced imaging and genetic approaches to dissect molecular cascades controlling cellular asymmetry. Recent findings highlight Mib1’s role in Notch signaling and its asymmetric inheritance during neurogenic divisions.

Publications emphasize mechanistic insights into spindle orientation regulation and asymmetric division regulation, with contributions to understanding developmental defects linked to disrupted division dynamics. Current projects investigate Mib1 trafficking pathways and transcriptional programs governing division mode transitions in neural progenitors.