Actin Dynamics and Actin-Based Motility

We are studying the mechanism of cell locomotion. What aspects of cellular locomotion involve interactions between actin and myosin motor proteins? Are there non-myosin actin-based motor poteins? Is actin polymerization and depolymerization used to generate force? How are actin polymer dynamics regulated? Localization of myosin II and actin filaments in a motile cell. The cell was costained for actin filaments (red) and myosin II (green). Myosin II colocalizing with actin filaments appears yellow or yellow-green. Only actin filaments are found to the front of the cell (right hand-side of the image) and play a role in protrusion of the membrane. In contrast myosin II colocalizes with actin filaments in the center of the cell and may play a role in generation of traction force. Image by Louise Cramer.

In this image, Listeria monocytogenes, gram-positive bacterial pathogens (blue), move in cytoplasm prepared from Xenopus laevis eggs by harnesing he force provided by the polymerization of actin filaments (red). We study the actin based motility of Listeria with the goal of using this simpler model system to understand the complex mechanisms that contribute cell locomotion. Image by Matt Welch.

People and Projects Previously Bill Brieher studies components of actin motility.. Guillaume Charras studies cell blebbing.. Hao Yuan Kueh does cool stuff with listeria tails..