Research

        

Cytoskeletal Protein Dynamics

 

Axon and dendrite growth depend on the coordinated actions of cytoskeletal proteins.  We are investigating the dynamic behavior of microtubules and actin filaments in living neurons. Quantitative Fluorescent Speckle Microscopy (qFSM) and single molecule tracking are used to investigate polymer assembly and disassembly dynamics at a single molecule level. Photoactivation of fluorescent cytoskeletal protein analogs is used to characterize polymer turnover rates at a macroscopic level.

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Adhesion Dependent Growth

 

Cellular traction force development involves interactions between intracellular treadmilling actin filaments and static extracellular growth substrates. Adhesion proteins provide the necessary mechanical linkage for this to occur. We are investigating Ig superfamily adhesion proteins and related signaling pathways using two complimentary biophysical approaches: 1) optical trapping of adhesion protein coated beads and 2) traction force microscopy. 

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Chemotrophic Growth

 

5-HT dependent acceleration of neurite outgrowth.

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Structure/Function

 

Electron microscopy is used to to investigate correlations between cytoskeletal protein dynamics in living cells and underlying ultrastructural features. 

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