Andrea Pauli

Austrian developmental biologist

Andrea Pauli

Andrea Pauli is an Austrian developmental biologist known for her research on the molecular mechanisms underlying early embryonic development. Her work has significantly contributed to the understanding of how vertebrate embryos develop from a single cell into complex organisms.

Early life and education

Andrea Pauli was born in Austria, where she developed an early interest in the biological sciences. She pursued her undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Vienna, where she was first introduced to the field of developmental biology. Pauli continued her education by obtaining a Ph.D. in molecular biology from the same institution, focusing on the genetic and molecular pathways that govern embryonic development.

Research and career

After completing her doctoral studies, Pauli moved to the United States to conduct postdoctoral research at the Harvard University in the laboratory of Alexander Schier. During her time at Harvard, she made significant discoveries regarding the role of non-coding RNAs in embryogenesis. Her research demonstrated how these molecules can regulate gene expression during the early stages of development.

In 2015, Andrea Pauli returned to Europe to establish her own research group at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna. Her laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular cues that guide the formation of the vertebrate body plan. One of her notable contributions is the identification of the role of the protein "Bouncer" in fertilization, which is crucial for species-specific sperm-egg recognition.

Scientific contributions

Pauli's research has provided insights into several key areas of developmental biology:

• Non-coding RNAs: Her work has elucidated the functions of non-coding RNAs in regulating gene expression during early embryonic development.
• Fertilization: She discovered the protein "Bouncer," which plays a critical role in the fertilization process by ensuring species-specific sperm-egg interaction.
• Zebrafish as a model organism: Pauli has extensively used zebrafish as a model organism to study vertebrate development, taking advantage of its transparent embryos and rapid development.

Awards and honors

Andrea Pauli has received several awards for her contributions to developmental biology, including the EMBO Young Investigator Award and the Austrian Science Fund START Prize. Her work is widely recognized for its innovative approach and impact on the field.

Related pages

• Developmental biology
• Embryogenesis
• Non-coding RNA
• Zebrafish