Dr. Gregory Hoeprich

hoeprich@brandeis.edu

My research focuses on three large mammalian proteins (IQGAP, APC, and Dia1) that interact at the leading edge of cells to control actin assembly and drive cell protrusion. To dissect this complex multi-component mechanism, I am using in vitro single molecule TIRF imaging, and directly observing these proteins interacting with each other and actin filaments in real time. In parallel, I am testing these mechanisms in cultured mammalian cells by combining genetics and live imaging.

Dr. Shane McInally

shanemcinally@brandeis.edu

Jointly with the Kondev lab (Physics department)

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The broad question addressed by my research is how cells assemble structures of a specific size. More specifically, I am using mathematical modeling, quantitative imaging, and genetic and cell biological approaches to understand how the length of yeast actin cables scales with cell size.

Dr. Joseph Magliozzi

josephmagliozzi@brandeis.edu

Septins are a subset of filament-forming GTPases that interact with cell membranes and the cytoskeleton. My goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how septins influence the assembly of actin structures involved in cell polarity and migration

Neha Koundinya

nehakoundinya@brandeis.edu

My research focuses on how actin networks are ‘debranched’, or pruned at the leading edge of cells. Specifically, I am studying the combined mechanistic effects of mammalian GMF, Cofilin, and Coronin in stimulating actin filament debranching and turnover using in vitro single molecule imaging combined with live- and fixed-cell imaging in mammalian cells. Outside of my research, I spend time baking, cycling, and advocating for underrepresented groups in Life Sciences.

Dr. Alison Wirshing

alisonwirshing@brandeis.edu 

My research interest lies in understanding mechanisms controlling cell architecture, and I am using the budding yeast S. cerevisiae as a model. My main project so far has been to understand how yeast formins, capping protein, and their binding partners dynamically interact and exchange at the barbed ends of actin filaments to control actin filament assembly, and in turn polarized cell growth. 

Rey Aguilar

raguilar@brandeis.edu

My research focuses on the mechanisms by which yeast ADF/Cofilin severs and depolymerizes actin filaments, and how a different member of the larger ADF-homology protein family, Abp1, influences Cofilin’s functions. To tackle this problem, I am combining in vitro single molecule TIRF imaging with yeast genetics and cell biology.

Emma McGuirk

emmamcguirk@brandeis.edu

I am combining in vitro single molecule analysis, genetics, and live imaging in whole animals to investigate how the effects of multiple regulators of the Arp2/3 complex are integrated to control the assembly and turnover of branched actin filament networks, and how they work in concert to influence synaptic remodeling at the fly neuromuscular junction (NMJ).

Nate Zaccardi 

natezaccardi@brandeis.edu

Project description pending...