Isabel M Palacios

Dr. Isabel M Palacios is a Lecturer of Cell Biology in the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), and Deputy Director of Research Nanchang. Her research focuses on understanding the biophysical and genetic mechanisms governing cell polarity, tissue architecture, and developmental processes using Drosophila melanogaster as a primary model system. She leads the Palacios Lab, which explores cytoplasmic flows in oocytes, Hippo pathway regulation in germline stem cells, and the biophysical principles of human organoid development.

Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches combining cell biology, genetics, and biophysics. Key research themes include: (1) cytoskeletal dynamics and fluid mechanics in oocyte asymmetry, (2) Hippo pathway roles in cell fate and tissue integrity, and (3) tissue mechanics in human cerebral organoids. Collaborations with physicists and engineers enable advanced analysis of single-molecule dynamics and 3D organoid modeling.

Dr. Palacios has secured grants including £386k (MRC) for high-throughput microscopy and £390k (BBSRC) for advanced imaging infrastructure. Her publications span 30+ years, with recent focus on kinesin motor proteins, basement membrane mechanics, and Drosophila-based capacity-building initiatives in Africa.

Her lab actively participates in global scientific outreach, notably through DrosAfrica workshops to foster African biomedical research. Current projects include studying age-related stem cell niche dynamics and the role of biophysical forces in neuroepithelial development.