Like our body's skeleton, the cell also has a framework for maintaining size and shape, known as the cytoskeleton (cyto - cell). The cytoskeleton is a network of filaments comprising microtubules, actin and intermediate filaments. These filaments are polymers of protein subunits which interact with multiple kinds of associated proteins. To support dynamic yet crucial functions, including cell migration and division, organisms must rebuild their cytoskeleton through considerable interaction between diverse filament networks. Our goal is to understand the basic principles of cytoskeletal organisation and determine how it is altered in adverse conditions.

Crosstalk between different cytoskeletal regulators mediates cellular functions such as migration. Filament arrangement adapted from Molecular Biology of the Cell.

Role of cytoskeletal filament crosslinking in cellular processes

Cytoskeletal linkers include motor and non-motor proteins that mediate connections between filaments of similar as well as different types.

In humans, defects in coordination between filaments lead to a variety of disorders, including malignancies, epidermal blistering and brain malformations.

The goal of our research is to develop advanced filament co-organization models that will aid in our understanding of how crosslinking is adapted in various cellular contexts.

Modification of cytoskeletal organisation in plant response to stress

Under rapidly changing climate conditions, motile organisms can relocate to temporarily escape the impact of adverse conditions. Plants, being sessile, are continuously subjected to extreme fluctuations in the surrounding environment.
In plants, coordinated cytoskeletal networks of filaments undergo remodelling to adapt to their surroundings in the presence of external stress.
We aim to gain fundamental insights into the largely unexplored area of plant cytoskeletal organisation. We will also investigate the effect of environmental changes on plant survival to identify novel mechanisms of adaptation.

The transport of gametes in the pollen tube is mediated by the plant cytoskeleton and is sensitive to environmental conditions.