Structural analyses of microtubule plus end binding proteins and their role in regulating microtubule dynamics
Eva Nogales, Professor
Molecular and Cell Biology
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2023 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2024.
Accurate segregation of chromosomes during cell division is essential. Microtubules are tube-shaped, dynamic polymers that are a fundamental part of this process. A hallmark of microtubules is their dynamic polymerization and depolymerization behavior at the microtubule plus end known as dynamic instability. For microtubules to function correctly inside the cell, those dynamics must be properly regulated. The regulatory mechanisms are complex and far from being completely understood. It is however known that a range of proteins interacting specifically with the dynamic microtubule plus end play an essential role but the molecular mechanisms behind their regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here we use cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to study the structure of the microtubule plus end bound by multiple proteins to understand the molecular mechanisms of how they affect microtubule dynamics.
Role: The candidate would 1) Participate in in vitro microtubule assays and purification of recombinant proteins 2) Learn and participate in sample preparation for cryo-electron microscopy including plunge freezing and 3) learn about cryo-electron microscopy/tomography and data processing of cryo-electon microscopy/tomography data for structure determination including subtomogram averaging.
Qualifications: The applicant ideally would have some basic familiarity of experimental molecular biology, biochemistry, protein purification or structural biology. Strong motivation to learn about cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography, good analytical and organizational skills, critical thinking, and a desire to participate in cutting-edge research as a team are required!
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Julia Peukes, Post-Doc
Hours: 12 or more hours
Related website: http://cryoem.berkeley.edu
Biological & Health Sciences