This collaborative project, in conjunction with the Hyman lab from the Max Planck Institute in Dresden (Germany), aims to address a fundamental question in cell biology by pooling together the research expertise of the groups involved in either cell or structural biology.
Centrosomes are non-membrane compartments inside cells that participate in various functions, including the assembly of the microtubules – an important component of the cytoskeleton – during cell division (mitosis). Centrosomes are made up of nanometer-sized centrioles surrounded by a dynamic protein network that assembles into the so-called Pericentriolar matrix (PCM). Current evidence suggests that certain proteins of the PCM form a scaffold on which centrosomes build upon during mitosis, yet further research is needed to understand the biochemical properties of this scaffold when it assembles. For instance, recent work from the Hyman lab suggests that the PCM may act as a selective phase aiding in the localised concentration of tubulin, but this is controversial.
“I am delighted to have this funding to work with Tony, to bring together our observations from different model systems, made with differing technological approaches to try and define the core mechanisms governing PCM assembly,” said Susan Lea.
Jordan Raff expressed a similar degree of “excitement” on receiving this grant, and said: “This should be a really fun grant. Tony’s work in the worm system has suggested that centrosomes are best described as phase separated droplets with at least transient liquid-like behaviours, whereas our work with Susan’s lab suggests that fly centrosomes are assembled on a solid-like scaffold. A collaborative award shared between the labs should be a great way of figuring this out.”
The concept of different cellular components existing and functioning in different phases is fast gaining prominence in the cell biology field. This collaborative grant aims to further the understanding of the PCM in the context of phase separation and, thus, its contributions to centrosome biology.
For more details on the research carried out in these labs visit their websites:
Susan Lea lab: https://www.path.ox.ac.uk/content/susan-lea
Jordan Raff lab: http://www2.bioch.ox.ac.uk/nanogroup/rafflab_home.html
Tony Hyman lab: https://hymanlab.mpi-cbg.de
Written by Sonia Muliyil (@Muliyilsonia)