Research Fellow

The aim of this project is to examine the role of the nucleation promoting factor SPIN90 on cellular cortex organization and mechanics. One of the most striking properties of living cells is their ability to change shape during processes, such as division, migration, and differentiation. These shape changes are governed by mechanical changes in the actomyosin cortex. Changes in cortical mechanics can originate from changes in myosin activity or cortex architecture. While we have a detailed understanding of the role of myosin, we know much less about how actin network organisation is controlled and how it influences mechanics. One potential mechanism involves regulating the activity of proteins that initiate filament polymerization, the actin nucleators. Despite their central role in generating actomyosin structures, little is known about how nucleators are coordinated despite this potentially representing a key mechanism for cells to alter their shape and mechanics in response to signalling. Our previous work revealed that SPIN90 plays a key role in mediating the interplay between nucleators in the cortex to control cell shape and mechanics during cell division and tissue morphogenesis (Cao et al, Nat Cell Biol, 2020). For more information visit: https://charraslab.com/ In this project, we will use molecular cell biology and biophysics approaches to determine the exact molecular and biophysical mechanisms through which SPIN90 controls cortex structure and mechanics. We will identify proteins interactors using BioID, examine where and when SPIN90 interacts with nucleators, and determine the changes in cortex organization and mechanics induced by SPIN90. The role holder will be responsible for carrying out experimental research on the project using techniques including, but not limited to, live cell microscopy, molecular cell biology, proteomics, atomic force microscopy, image and data analysis. The candidate will also be required to analyse the experimental data, and design new experimental techniques. This research position is funded for 3 years and the start date for this position is flexible but must be before 01/10/23.