Dr. Jean Claude Labbé

Biography

Jean-Claude Labbé is a professor at the University of Montreal, where his research focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms governing cell division during animal development. His work specifically examines the various properties of germline stem cells using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. One aspect of this research involves investigating the self-renewal of stem cells, which relies on their interaction with a unique cell in their niche known as the distal tip cell (DTC). The lab aims to unravel how germline stem cells polarize and orient their division axis to maintain contact with the niche, ensuring a balance between self-renewal and differentiation. Furthermore, the lab studies the formation and maintenance of a syncytial architecture in germline cells, which is crucial for their organization. Findings from this research have implications for understanding similar processes in mammals, including humans, and may contribute to addressing various diseases such as cancer. Labbé’s educational background includes a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Montreal, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of North Carolina and ETH Zurich, focusing on asymmetric cell division and polarity regulation in embryos.

Research Interests

Experience