Our aim
Actin dynamics play an important role in membrane deformation. Distinct morphological classes of actin-based membrane extensions and invaginations derive from different actin supra-molecular assemblies. Actin-based protrusio ns can show either the lamellipodial or the filopodial morphology, which depend on the Arp2/3 complex and Diaphanous-related Formins, respectively. Both Arp2/3 and Dias are involved in actin-dependent vesicle trafficking, which provides proteins and membranes essential to support persistent cell migration. The actin cytoskeleton contributes also to endocytosis, and is thought to be important during pit formation and budding. The Arp2/3 complex seems to regulate actin function in these processes. We aim at elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which external cues regulate the activity of different actin nucleators and integrate the occurrence of actin-based processes to specify proper biological outcomes. We have been tackling these demanding and relevant issues by focusing on WAVE/WASP proteins and Diaphanous-related Formins. In order to answer these questions, we routinely use state-of-the-art biochemical, cell biological and advanced imaging techniques. We hope that a mechanistic view of how actin dynamics take place will be a device to explore how tightly controlled actin-based events in health can be subverted and exploited by cancer cells.
Contact
Institute of Biochemistry II Metello Innocenti , PhD, Independent Research Group Leader University Hospital, Bldg. 74 Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt Phone +49-69-6301-5652 Fax +49-69-6301-5577 Email: innocenti@biochem2.de