OVERVIEW

Our laboratory focuses on the mechanisms by which cells internalize, growth factors and receptors as well as toxins and viruses. Understanding the machinery that supports these endocytic processes provides important insights into cell growth and neoplasia (see cancer focus). Specifically we have focused our efforts on the large GTPase, dynamin which has mechanochemical properties and appears to mediate vesicle formation during endocytosis and secretion.

Interestingly, the dynamins comprise a large super-family that interact with a variety of cytoskeletal and signaling molecules to support multiple cell functions including cell migration and metastasis, cellular resistance to viral infection, mitochondrial dynamics and division, morphogenesis of neurites and synapses (see neuroscience focus), as well as vesicle trafficking. Our lab is uniquely situated to make substantial contributions to these important biological processes.