Molecular Genetics of Cell and Tissue Structure

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All cells have a characteristic shape (morphology), which is intrinsic to cellular function. A blood cell is designed to move in a liquid medium whereas a muscle cell is optimised for physical movement of attached bones. We are studying the mechanisms which control cell shape. We focus on the components of the cell skeleton (cytoskeleton) which are implicated in the regulation of shape. In particular, we study the actin based microfilament system. We have previously shown that two types of these components of the cytoskeleton are able to control the structure of cells. In addition, we have found that variants of these two components (called isoforms) are used to build structures in different parts of cells. This has led us to think about the anatomy of cells and tissues in a new way. In some ways its like building a city. You create different kinds of buildings to suit their purpose. Each building uses a combination of building blocks which suit the structural demands of rooms and the overall building. In this study, we are proposing to dissect out genes, or parts of genes, which supply specific types of building blocks. To do this, we plan to change these genes in mice and then examine the impact on cell and tissue anatomy. This promises to contribute to the conversion of anatomical science and pathology from descriptive to experimental-mechanistic disciplines.