SFB 629 A02 - Cellular functions of class IX myosin-RhoGAP molecules

Basic data for this project

Description

The dynamic organisation of the cytoskeleton and the formation of transiently stable cytoskeletal structures is a prerequisite for many cellular activities. These activities include the directed intracellular transport of RNA, proteins and organelles, the formation and maintenance of cell shape, cell migration, the determination of mechanical properties of the cells, nuclear and cellular division, exo- and endocytosis and many others. The cytoskeleton consists of three families of proteins which self-assemble to form filaments that can be further arranged into higher order structures. The dynamics of the filaments and the three-dimensional arrangement of the filaments within cells is controlled by many different proteins that interact directly or indirectly with the cytoskeletal proteins and filaments. We are particularly interested in understanding the regulation of the dynamics and organization of one of the three types of cytoskeletal filaments, the actin filaments. We are specifically investigating the functions of members of the myosin superfamily that interact with actin filaments. Myosin molecules hydrolyse ATP and convert the chemical energy liberated by ATP-hydrolysis into mechanical force along actin filaments.