Betsy Pownall

Professor Betsy Pownall is a Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Biology at the University of York. Her research focuses on embryonic development mechanisms, particularly using Xenopus and zebrafish models. Key interests include FGF signaling pathways, heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), and the role of Sulf1 in regulating developmental processes. She leads a lab investigating skeletal muscle development, transcriptional hierarchies, and the impact of signaling pathways on embryogenesis.

• Affiliations: University of York, Department of Biology
• Former Roles: Senior Lecturer, Reader, Lecturer

Research explores how signals like FGF and Shh shape cell lineages and tissue formation. Current projects include collaborations on Wnt signaling feedback mechanisms and studies on ZAK-linked myopathies. Teaching spans undergraduate modules in Cell and Developmental Biology, Developmental Biology, and a journal club-style advanced module. She mentors PhD students researching myogenesis, Parkinson’s disease modeling, and adaptations in Alcolapia fish.

Grants & Collaborations: BBSRC-funded collaboration with Prof. Stefan Hoppler (Aberdeen) and Prof. Masanori Taira (Tokyo) investigating Wnt signaling. Active in research on metabolic decline and ZAK deficiency’s role in muscle disorders.