Santos lab
@santoslab.bsky.social
Quantitative stem cell biologist and group leader @TheCrick Institute. Cell decision-making. Cell fate and cell division. @Stanford, @EMBL alumna. ENTP. Mum. Diver.
Pinned
Santos lab
@santoslab.bsky.social
· Jun 5
Drs. Borzo Gharibi, Silvia Santos, and a team at @crick.ac.uk generated an ESC-derived 3D model of the post-gastrulation #amnion.
📄 @cellpress.bsky.social - bit.ly/45bJs0c
🎤 bit.ly/4kE4eKf
📄 @cellpress.bsky.social - bit.ly/45bJs0c
🎤 bit.ly/4kE4eKf
Thank you very much @stemcellpodcast.com for highlighting our work (24:00-32:00) @crick.ac.uk
Reposted by Santos lab
Lovely little pre-Christmas present to see this out @natcellbio.nature.com! Some 🔥 new results in here since the biorvix incl (1) a new RARE-GFP reporter ✳️🙌, (2) additional NMP quantification 🔢, (3) no neural tube patterning on RA inhibition 🙅 etc. Enjoy! 😍 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Modelling co-development between the somites and neural tube in human trunk-like structures - Nature Cell Biology
Makwana, Tilley et al. generate human stem cell-based trunk-like structures approximating Carnegie stage 13–14 of development. They use them to model and study the development of the thoracic and lumbar trunk.
www.nature.com
December 16, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Lovely little pre-Christmas present to see this out @natcellbio.nature.com! Some 🔥 new results in here since the biorvix incl (1) a new RARE-GFP reporter ✳️🙌, (2) additional NMP quantification 🔢, (3) no neural tube patterning on RA inhibition 🙅 etc. Enjoy! 😍 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Santos lab
Good to see the peer reviewed version of this published
A chemo-optogenetic system for spatiotemporal control of gene expression
We use it to:
- Reconstruct SHH mediated neural tube patterning in vitro
- Measure extracellular half-life of Shh
www.cell.com/developmenta...
A chemo-optogenetic system for spatiotemporal control of gene expression
We use it to:
- Reconstruct SHH mediated neural tube patterning in vitro
- Measure extracellular half-life of Shh
www.cell.com/developmenta...
Investigating morphogen and patterning dynamics with optogenetic control of morphogen production
Benzinger et al. develop a chemo-optogenetic system for precise spatiotemporal control
of morphogen production in vitro. Using light-controlled Sonic hedgehog expression,
they recapitulate neural tube...
www.cell.com
December 16, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Good to see the peer reviewed version of this published
A chemo-optogenetic system for spatiotemporal control of gene expression
We use it to:
- Reconstruct SHH mediated neural tube patterning in vitro
- Measure extracellular half-life of Shh
www.cell.com/developmenta...
A chemo-optogenetic system for spatiotemporal control of gene expression
We use it to:
- Reconstruct SHH mediated neural tube patterning in vitro
- Measure extracellular half-life of Shh
www.cell.com/developmenta...
Reposted by Santos lab
What is psychosis and how can we treat it?
Crick group leader @kathaschmack.bsky.social explains how her lab is working to uncover new ways to treat psychosis by finding its biological roots.
youtu.be/EUb3_5ecatU
Crick group leader @kathaschmack.bsky.social explains how her lab is working to uncover new ways to treat psychosis by finding its biological roots.
youtu.be/EUb3_5ecatU
A Crash Course in Psychosis – with Katharina Schmack
YouTube video by The Francis Crick Institute
youtu.be
December 10, 2025 at 2:14 PM
What is psychosis and how can we treat it?
Crick group leader @kathaschmack.bsky.social explains how her lab is working to uncover new ways to treat psychosis by finding its biological roots.
youtu.be/EUb3_5ecatU
Crick group leader @kathaschmack.bsky.social explains how her lab is working to uncover new ways to treat psychosis by finding its biological roots.
youtu.be/EUb3_5ecatU
Reposted by Santos lab
We are hiring for a web developer position, ideally with some experience in bioinformatics. This position is aimed at helping us turn our research in human genetics into useful tools. A background in either bioinformatics or web development is required.
jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOP...
jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOP...
Full Stack Web Developer for Life Science Research
jobs.ethz.ch
December 9, 2025 at 5:10 PM
We are hiring for a web developer position, ideally with some experience in bioinformatics. This position is aimed at helping us turn our research in human genetics into useful tools. A background in either bioinformatics or web development is required.
jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOP...
jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOP...
Reposted by Santos lab
Great to see this published: Fitting dynamical landscape models to single-cell data, creating interpretable maps of cell decision making & developmental logic
Applied to neural tube patterning, we show how morphogen signals reshape landscapes and drive fate decisions
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Applied to neural tube patterning, we show how morphogen signals reshape landscapes and drive fate decisions
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Reconstructing Waddington’s landscape from data | PNAS
The development of a zygote into a functional organism requires that this single progenitor
cell gives rise to numerous distinct cell types. Attemp...
www.pnas.org
December 4, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Great to see this published: Fitting dynamical landscape models to single-cell data, creating interpretable maps of cell decision making & developmental logic
Applied to neural tube patterning, we show how morphogen signals reshape landscapes and drive fate decisions
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Applied to neural tube patterning, we show how morphogen signals reshape landscapes and drive fate decisions
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Reposted by Santos lab
📣 We are moving to Barcelona to join the amazing @crg.eu and explore how centrosomes & cilia work, evolve & respond to the environment. We are looking for
PhD students www.crg.eu/en/content/t...
Postdocs gimm.pt/jobs/postdoc...
Other calls to open, also for an experienced lab manager.
Get in touch!
PhD students www.crg.eu/en/content/t...
Postdocs gimm.pt/jobs/postdoc...
Other calls to open, also for an experienced lab manager.
Get in touch!
October 30, 2025 at 1:15 PM
📣 We are moving to Barcelona to join the amazing @crg.eu and explore how centrosomes & cilia work, evolve & respond to the environment. We are looking for
PhD students www.crg.eu/en/content/t...
Postdocs gimm.pt/jobs/postdoc...
Other calls to open, also for an experienced lab manager.
Get in touch!
PhD students www.crg.eu/en/content/t...
Postdocs gimm.pt/jobs/postdoc...
Other calls to open, also for an experienced lab manager.
Get in touch!
Reposted by Santos lab
Applications are open for @dev-journal.bsky.social 2026 Pathway to Independence (PI) programme, supporting postdocs applying for group leader positions:
Mentoring
Profile raising
Leadership training
Network building
Spread the word...
www.biologists.com/grants/devel...
Mentoring
Profile raising
Leadership training
Network building
Spread the word...
www.biologists.com/grants/devel...
Development's Pathway to Independence Programme
Our grants support and encourage the sharing of knowledge throughout the community by facilitating international collaboration, event attendance and the organisation of scientific meetings, conference...
www.biologists.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Applications are open for @dev-journal.bsky.social 2026 Pathway to Independence (PI) programme, supporting postdocs applying for group leader positions:
Mentoring
Profile raising
Leadership training
Network building
Spread the word...
www.biologists.com/grants/devel...
Mentoring
Profile raising
Leadership training
Network building
Spread the word...
www.biologists.com/grants/devel...
So exciting to see this in print! Ever wondered how embryonic cells know what (fate) to become during early development? In particular when they might see different signaling cues? We investigated this!
And a lovely cover from Zoe Ruiz and @oliveringe.bsky.social!
www.cell.com/developmenta...
And a lovely cover from Zoe Ruiz and @oliveringe.bsky.social!
www.cell.com/developmenta...
Combinatorial BMP4 and activin direct the choice between alternate routes to endoderm in a stem cell model of human gastrulation
Inge et al. show that human endoderm originates from two converging developmental
routes with distinct dynamics and efficiencies yet similar developmental potential.
Combinatorial activin and BMP4 sig...
www.cell.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:47 PM
So exciting to see this in print! Ever wondered how embryonic cells know what (fate) to become during early development? In particular when they might see different signaling cues? We investigated this!
And a lovely cover from Zoe Ruiz and @oliveringe.bsky.social!
www.cell.com/developmenta...
And a lovely cover from Zoe Ruiz and @oliveringe.bsky.social!
www.cell.com/developmenta...
Reposted by Santos lab
The new issue @cp-devcell.bsky.social brings the final form of our opossum heterochrony work www.cell.com/developmenta... And it also brings two great papers from @oliveringe.bsky.social @santoslab.bsky.social and @tobyandrews.bsky.social @rashmi-priya.bsky.social 🙌 great #DevBio from @crick.ac.uk
December 2, 2025 at 11:06 AM
The new issue @cp-devcell.bsky.social brings the final form of our opossum heterochrony work www.cell.com/developmenta... And it also brings two great papers from @oliveringe.bsky.social @santoslab.bsky.social and @tobyandrews.bsky.social @rashmi-priya.bsky.social 🙌 great #DevBio from @crick.ac.uk
Reposted by Santos lab
Emergence and Self-organisation across biological scales! I hope you are ready for next year conference! It will be an incredible event April 20-22 2026. The first of many #LakeConference organised by
@ehannezo.bsky.social @alleninstitute.org and James Sharpe @embl.org
@ehannezo.bsky.social @alleninstitute.org and James Sharpe @embl.org
#CellBio community, this one is for you! Applications are open for the #LakeConference on Modeling Life from Cells to Tissues – co-hosted with Circuit Neuroscience Basel!
📆 April 20-22, 2026
📍 Seattle, USA
🔬 All career stages welcomed.
Apply to attend by 12/12: alleninstitute.org/events/aics-...
📆 April 20-22, 2026
📍 Seattle, USA
🔬 All career stages welcomed.
Apply to attend by 12/12: alleninstitute.org/events/aics-...
2026 Lake Conference
Join the Allen Institute for Cell Science and Circuit Neuroscience Basel in Seattle, Washington, April 20–22, 2026, for a 3 day conference, Modeling...
alleninstitute.org
November 26, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Emergence and Self-organisation across biological scales! I hope you are ready for next year conference! It will be an incredible event April 20-22 2026. The first of many #LakeConference organised by
@ehannezo.bsky.social @alleninstitute.org and James Sharpe @embl.org
@ehannezo.bsky.social @alleninstitute.org and James Sharpe @embl.org
Reposted by Santos lab
Check out that spindle 🤩🔥
At 63C, most eukaryotic cells would be busy exploding noisily, forget even trying to divide.
The microbial universe never ceases to astound 😍
Thanks for letting us be a tiny part of this! #ExpandThemAll
At 63C, most eukaryotic cells would be busy exploding noisily, forget even trying to divide.
The microbial universe never ceases to astound 😍
Thanks for letting us be a tiny part of this! #ExpandThemAll
While 𝘝. 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘴 max temp is around 45°C, we found 𝘐. 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 grows up to 63°C with optimal growth at 55-57°C🥵. We showed cellular replication via Ultrastructure Expansion Microscopy at 63°C. The previous limit for euks is 60°C!
November 25, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Check out that spindle 🤩🔥
At 63C, most eukaryotic cells would be busy exploding noisily, forget even trying to divide.
The microbial universe never ceases to astound 😍
Thanks for letting us be a tiny part of this! #ExpandThemAll
At 63C, most eukaryotic cells would be busy exploding noisily, forget even trying to divide.
The microbial universe never ceases to astound 😍
Thanks for letting us be a tiny part of this! #ExpandThemAll
Reposted by Santos lab
Ten days left to apply to be a @crick.ac.uk Early Career Group Leader
Closing date 27th November
www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
Closing date 27th November
www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
November 17, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Ten days left to apply to be a @crick.ac.uk Early Career Group Leader
Closing date 27th November
www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
Closing date 27th November
www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
Reposted by Santos lab
Crosstalk between tissue mechanics and BMP4 signaling regulates symmetry breaking in human gastrula models
Crosstalk between tissue mechanics and BMP4 signaling regulates symmetry breaking in human gastrula models
Brivanlou and colleagues used optogenetics to spatially control BMP4 expression in human stem cell models across different mechanical regimes. By combining these experiments with mathematical modeling, they dissected how biochemical signals and mechanical forces integrate to initiate symmetry breaking at the onset of gastrulation.
dlvr.it
November 7, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Crosstalk between tissue mechanics and BMP4 signaling regulates symmetry breaking in human gastrula models
Reposted by Santos lab
We have an exciting PhD position in our lab to explore phototropin receptor diversity in Begonia. If you’re interested in plant photobiology and receptor signalling, we’d love to hear from you! Deadline for expressions of interest: 20 December 2025.
November 6, 2025 at 12:36 PM
We have an exciting PhD position in our lab to explore phototropin receptor diversity in Begonia. If you’re interested in plant photobiology and receptor signalling, we’d love to hear from you! Deadline for expressions of interest: 20 December 2025.
We had a blast tonight at the ‘Curious about the Crick’ event showcasing the science in our lab. Lots of enthusiasm and so many interesting questions. Was awesome to share this with my wonderful lab from brainstorming to communicating the science we love. Thank you to @crick.ac.uk for having us
October 21, 2025 at 9:44 PM
We had a blast tonight at the ‘Curious about the Crick’ event showcasing the science in our lab. Lots of enthusiasm and so many interesting questions. Was awesome to share this with my wonderful lab from brainstorming to communicating the science we love. Thank you to @crick.ac.uk for having us
The Crick PhD program is open and there are amazing projects including our lab's. I couldn't recommend enough joining the program: brilliant community and excellent training and mentorship.
Specific project with us will be decided based on your interests.
Apply here www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
Specific project with us will be decided based on your interests.
Apply here www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
October 17, 2025 at 5:36 PM
The Crick PhD program is open and there are amazing projects including our lab's. I couldn't recommend enough joining the program: brilliant community and excellent training and mentorship.
Specific project with us will be decided based on your interests.
Apply here www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
Specific project with us will be decided based on your interests.
Apply here www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
Reposted by Santos lab
new preprint: Ubiquitin is a protein modification linked with degradation but known to regulate other functions. Over 100k ubiquitination sites have been discovered and here we (@julianvangerwen.bsky.social + others) try to prioritize those most critical to the cell www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
The functional landscape of the human ubiquitinome
Protein ubiquitination regulates cell biology through diverse avenues, from quality control-linked protein degradation to signaling functions such as modulating protein-protein interactions and enzyme...
www.biorxiv.org
October 9, 2025 at 7:07 AM
new preprint: Ubiquitin is a protein modification linked with degradation but known to regulate other functions. Over 100k ubiquitination sites have been discovered and here we (@julianvangerwen.bsky.social + others) try to prioritize those most critical to the cell www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Santos lab
Many of you know, we lost Béla Novák this year. John Tyson, Francis Barr & I tried to capture his wonderful character & great mind so that those that didn't know him can see what a fantastic person he was.
Thanks to @jcellsci.bsky.social for publishing.
journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/...
Thanks to @jcellsci.bsky.social for publishing.
journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/...
Béla Novák (1956–2025) – a legacy of scientific discovery and personal charm
In February 2025, we were shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the death of Béla Novák, Professor in Integrative Systems Biology at the University of Oxford, UK, and a beloved grandfather, father...
journals.biologists.com
October 9, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Many of you know, we lost Béla Novák this year. John Tyson, Francis Barr & I tried to capture his wonderful character & great mind so that those that didn't know him can see what a fantastic person he was.
Thanks to @jcellsci.bsky.social for publishing.
journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/...
Thanks to @jcellsci.bsky.social for publishing.
journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/...
Reposted by Santos lab
Opening my lab @crick.ac.uk two years ago has been a privilege, a delight and ultimately the most transformative experience of my sciencific career. Discovery science without boundaries, inspiring colleagues and infinite possibilities. Come join us!
We're now recruiting early career group leaders at the Crick to lead ambitious research programmes and explore bold scientific questions.
Hear our Director, Edith Heard, explain why the Crick is a unique place for curiosity-driven research.
Apply now ➡️ www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
Hear our Director, Edith Heard, explain why the Crick is a unique place for curiosity-driven research.
Apply now ➡️ www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
October 9, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Opening my lab @crick.ac.uk two years ago has been a privilege, a delight and ultimately the most transformative experience of my sciencific career. Discovery science without boundaries, inspiring colleagues and infinite possibilities. Come join us!
Reposted by Santos lab
2026 PhD recruitment is now open.
As well as our main PhD recruitment, which is open to all, we are pleased to be offering scholarships for candidates of Black or mixed Black heritage. Learn more and apply on our website:
www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
As well as our main PhD recruitment, which is open to all, we are pleased to be offering scholarships for candidates of Black or mixed Black heritage. Learn more and apply on our website:
www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
PhD student recruitment
PhD recruitment information.
www.crick.ac.uk
October 7, 2025 at 3:14 PM
2026 PhD recruitment is now open.
As well as our main PhD recruitment, which is open to all, we are pleased to be offering scholarships for candidates of Black or mixed Black heritage. Learn more and apply on our website:
www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
As well as our main PhD recruitment, which is open to all, we are pleased to be offering scholarships for candidates of Black or mixed Black heritage. Learn more and apply on our website:
www.crick.ac.uk/careers-stud...
Reposted by Santos lab
Very sad news, John Gurdon has died.
A developmental biologist's developmental biologist, Nobel prize winner
His work is the foundation of much of today's dev & stem cell bio.
An inspiration to many, including me. Always asking questions & wanting the answers
www.magd.cam.ac.uk/news/profess...
A developmental biologist's developmental biologist, Nobel prize winner
His work is the foundation of much of today's dev & stem cell bio.
An inspiration to many, including me. Always asking questions & wanting the answers
www.magd.cam.ac.uk/news/profess...
Professor Sir John Gurdon FRS (1933-2025) | Magdalene College
Magdalene College is deeply saddened to announce the death of Professor Sir John Gurdon FRS, who served as Master of the College from 1995 to 2002.
www.magd.cam.ac.uk
October 7, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Very sad news, John Gurdon has died.
A developmental biologist's developmental biologist, Nobel prize winner
His work is the foundation of much of today's dev & stem cell bio.
An inspiration to many, including me. Always asking questions & wanting the answers
www.magd.cam.ac.uk/news/profess...
A developmental biologist's developmental biologist, Nobel prize winner
His work is the foundation of much of today's dev & stem cell bio.
An inspiration to many, including me. Always asking questions & wanting the answers
www.magd.cam.ac.uk/news/profess...
Reposted by Santos lab
Outstanding talk today at #CABDseminars by Silvia Santos @santoslab.bsky.social! Silvia showcased the latest work understanding the deciding cellular signals during early human development. Silvia was hosted by Fernando Casares.
Thanks for coming Silvia!
Thanks for coming Silvia!
October 3, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Outstanding talk today at #CABDseminars by Silvia Santos @santoslab.bsky.social! Silvia showcased the latest work understanding the deciding cellular signals during early human development. Silvia was hosted by Fernando Casares.
Thanks for coming Silvia!
Thanks for coming Silvia!
Congratulations Isabela from the Dev Bio MSc program @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social for finishing successfully your viva! Was an absolute pleasure to train you and have you in the lab! Beautiful work on cell cycle and fate and never ending enthusiasm! Best of luck with your next adventure!
September 30, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Congratulations Isabela from the Dev Bio MSc program @imperialcollegeldn.bsky.social for finishing successfully your viva! Was an absolute pleasure to train you and have you in the lab! Beautiful work on cell cycle and fate and never ending enthusiasm! Best of luck with your next adventure!
Reposted by Santos lab
EEE meeting is BACK! Early Embryogenesis & Epigenetics conference in Berlin 02/2026.
Checkout great program and over 12 slots for (not so) short talks for submitted abstracts!. Early registration now open -
w.molgen.mpg.de/embryo2026
Checkout great program and over 12 slots for (not so) short talks for submitted abstracts!. Early registration now open -
w.molgen.mpg.de/embryo2026
September 28, 2025 at 12:00 AM
EEE meeting is BACK! Early Embryogenesis & Epigenetics conference in Berlin 02/2026.
Checkout great program and over 12 slots for (not so) short talks for submitted abstracts!. Early registration now open -
w.molgen.mpg.de/embryo2026
Checkout great program and over 12 slots for (not so) short talks for submitted abstracts!. Early registration now open -
w.molgen.mpg.de/embryo2026
Farewell dinner for @oliveringe.bsky.social with our wonderful Santos lab family. Ollie was our 1st Crick PhD student! Lots to celebrate and many fun memories. We are so grateful to have had Ollie in the lab and cannot wait to see what’s next for him in the Morris lab at Harvard! Best of luck,Ollie!
September 26, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Farewell dinner for @oliveringe.bsky.social with our wonderful Santos lab family. Ollie was our 1st Crick PhD student! Lots to celebrate and many fun memories. We are so grateful to have had Ollie in the lab and cannot wait to see what’s next for him in the Morris lab at Harvard! Best of luck,Ollie!