My group studies cytoskeletal organisation and trafficking processes, which contribute to cell polarisation, differentiation, vertebrate development and human disease. We are interested in understanding, at a systems level, in how different aspects of cell architecture are coordinated. The main focus of our studies is the microtubule cytoskeleton. Our research relies on combining high-resolution live cell imaging and quantitative analysis of cytoskeletal dynamics, measurement of protein dynamics using advanced microscopic assays, in vitro reconstitution of dynamic cytoskeleton-based processes and different methods of identification of protein-protein interactions (in vitro binding studies, pull-down assays, yeast two-hybrid screens and mass spectrometry-based protein identification). In addition to cultured cells, we employ mouse knockout technologies and couple mouse genetic modification (such as GFP knock-in technology) to live tissue imaging. In collaboration with mathematicians we are working on development of automated analysis and modelling of cytoskeletal dynamics and vesicle transport.

Cell Biology