Team "Cytoskeleton dynamics and structure"

Themes of research

The team "Cytoskeleton dynamics and structure" is known for its expertise in the analysis of the architecture of the cytoskeleton of the nanoscale to the three-dimensional molecular organization.

Microtubules are major components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton and are involved in cell division, motility and morphogenesis. Important for these functions are the dynamic and structural properties of microtubules, which are finely regulated in vivo by numerous microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs).

Our team focuses on the molecular basis underlying microtubule regulation by MAPs that are specifically involved in cytoskeleton organisation in mitosis, neuronal differentiation and neuronal plasticity. For that, we use light microscopy imaging to study microtubule properties in both simple cell-free systems and cellular differentiation models. In parallel, we are using electron cryomicroscopy and cryotomography methods to investigate how the MAPs of interest precisely interact with microtubules and affect the structure and spatial arrangement of these polymers.

This correlative approach combining light- and electron microscopy on various complexity level systems should help to understand at a molecular level how a MAP network elaborate complex cytoskeleton architecture in cells.

Techniques used :

• Biochemistry and cellular biology: subcloning, recombinant protein expression, protein purification, centrosome purification, preparation of cellular extracts, study of protein interactions, spectrophotometry, stable cell line and neuronal primary cell cultures.

• Light microscopy: total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, video fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy.

• Electron microscopy: negative stain, electron cryomicroscopy and cryotomography.

See our publications on TIRF biomimetic assays to reconstitute EB binding at MT ends or microtubules and actin co-assembly.

Tutelles :  

Fundings :

Collaborators :

L. Blanchoin (CEA, Grenoble)
G. Schoen (IBS, Grenoble)
F. Forbes (INRIA, Grenoble)
I. Kulic (ICS, Strasbourg)
H. Mohrbach (LPCT, Nancy)
E. Lebarbier (AgroParisTech)
N. Galjart (Rotterdam)

Internship :

Anthony Manon (M2) 2020