The experiments in this workshop will concern the polymerisation and mechanics of actin filaments, one of the major components of the cytoskeleton of cells. By studying fluorescently labelled actin filaments on high resolution microscopes, you will test how actin concentration affects network organisation and how different actin binding proteins can alter the architecture of actin networks. We recently identified a domain in IQGAP proteins, baptised Curly, that binds to actin filaments and induces the bending of actin filaments into tight rings in vitro (see figure and [1]). This fascinating phenomenon opens new venues to shape actin filaments in vitro and in live cells. The aim of this workshop is to test how curly can be used in vitro to alter actin networks in solution or when confined to a surface.
You will test how different concentrations of curly affect actin filament network organisation, and how different fragments of curly affect actin filaments to gain insights into which part of the protein fulfils which function. To do so, you will perform experiments in the lab, record images using state of the art microscopes and perform quantitative image analysis.
| Organization/Institution | Position | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Warwick Medical School (WMS) | Associate Professor | Since 2023 |
| WMS imaging facility CAMDU | Director | since 2023 |
| Warwick Medical School (WMS) | Assistant Professor | 2018-2023 |
| Lab Of Mohan Balasubramanian At WMS | Postdoc | 2017-2018 |
| Lab of Satyajit Mayor at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore | Postdoc | 2011-2017 |
| Laboratories of Patricia Bassereau and Christophe Lamaze at the Institut Curie | PhD | 2007-2010 |
