Cytoskeletal Membrane Dynamics - Mark A. McNiven

Overview

The Cytoskeletal Membrane Dynamics laboratory at Mayo Clinic focuses on the mechanisms by which the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons interact with cellular membrane systems to support the essential cellular processes of protein secretion, receptor internalization, adhesion and migration.

These processes are usurped during disease states and contribute to unchecked cellular growth, pathogenic infection, metastatic invasion, and tissue adiposity.

This program is currently supported by three distinct RO1 grants from the NIDDK, NCI, and NIAAA to study disease processes that occur in cells of the liver and pancreas when these cellular functions are disrupted.

As a tool to study these processes, the lab has focused upon the large GTPase Dynamin 2 (Dyn2), a mechanoenzyme that is ubiquitously expressed and mediates membrane tubulation and vesicle formation at various secretory and endocytic compartments.

Dr. McNiven and other researchers have demonstrated that the Dyn2 contractile polymer has been shown to interact with a wide variety of different cytoskeletal adaptor proteins in cells that facilitate its physiological functions. The lab is currently focusing on:

• The internalization and traffic of the important growth factor receptors for EGF and transferrin in hepatocytes
• Migratory invasion that supports metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma
• Lipid droplet dynamics that lead to hepatic steatosis