About Us

The Alex Ludwig lab (ALab) is affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) at NTU Singapore. Our lab and offices are located at the NTU Institute of Structural Biology (NISB).

The Ludwig lab investigates how epithelial tissue barriers are formed, organized, and regulated. Epithelial cells possess an intrinsic asymmetry with distinct apical and basolateral domains. The Apical Junctional Complex (AJC), which is composed of tight junctions and adherens junctions, is critical for the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity. The AJC also mediates cell-cell adhesion and provides structural integrity to epithelial tissues, transmits mechanical signals to the cell cytoskeleton, controls the flux of molecules across epithelial tissues, and is involved in growth control signaling. Disruptions in epithelial barrier function can lead to developmental abnormalities and contributes to various diseases.

Our research aims to uncover how epithelial cells develop and maintain apico-basal polarity. We particularly focus on the Crumbs complex, a key player in junction formation, polarity establishment, and growth regulation. Additionally, we study the mechanisms behind the assembly and regulation of tight junctions. To do this, we employ biochemical, cell biological, and high-resolution imaging techniques using both 2D and 3D cell culture models.