Generating distinct actin networks in a single cytoplasm: Structural studies to determine the impact of actin nucleators on filament structure

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A fundamental understanding of how a cell responds to its environment, in order to drive changes to cell physiology, is critical if we are to make relevant and appropriate interventions in the context of disease states. Many years of research have demonstrated that the actin cytoskeleton is a focal point of cell regulation, however there are still large gaps in our understanding of mechanisms governing early steps in actin filament formation and how distinct filament organizations can co-exist in a single cytoplasm. This project will combine molecular biology and biochemistry with advanced electron cryomicroscopy (CryoEM) approaches to gain new structural insights into the process of actin nucleation. It will be supported by world-class labs with expertise in actin biochemistry and cell biology (Ayscough) and in structural analysis of macromolecular complexes using CryoEM (Bullough).