I have developed novel imaging approaches that allow for the visualization cytokinetic ring dynamics in dividing cells with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. We combine this 4 dimensional high spatial‐ and temporal resolution imaging with custom quantitative image analysis pipelines to study these dynamics. This work allows as to follow local and global changes in composition and kinetics
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The small GTPase RhoA is a central regulator, activating cortical actomyosin contractility during cytokinesis and other cellular events. It acts as acts as a molecular switch that can alternate between an active and inactive state. The sterile20‐family serine/threonine kinase GCK‐1 and its cofactor CCM‐3 form a conserved complex and suppress RhoA
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During my PhD research in the laboratory of Michael Glotzer I used high resolution confocal microscopy to study cytoskeletal dynamics during establishment of embryonic polarity and cytokines in C.elegans embryos. My research involved developing an experimental approach to genetically separate two redundant pathways involved in cytokines in the same embryo. This approach revealed that these two pathways promote drastically different organization of the actomyosin cytoskeleton both sufficient to drive furrow ingression. Furthermore this research contributed to the identification and characterization of the roles of three different proteins in regulating cortical actomyosin dynamics, spindle positioning and cytokinesis in the one cell C.elegans embryo.
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