The Goode Lab at Brandeis University
Principal Investigator
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Prof. Bruce Goode
I started doing research in 1986 as an undergraduate, and immediately fell in love with the beauty and complexity of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, which consist of hundreds of moving parts that dynamically self-organize into force-generating biological structures. This fascination with molecular machines has fueled my lab’s research, and led us to define the molecular functions and mechanisms of many different cytoskeletal proteins. My other professional passion is mentoring, where my goals are to: (1) promote teamwork and collaboration within the group, and (2) help each person succeed in achieving their individual research and career goals. Outside of science, I love spending time with my dogs and family, cycling, and movies.
Postdoctoral Fellows
Dr. Gregory Hoeprich
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. Alison Wirshing
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.
Dr. Shane McInally
Jointly with the Kondev lab (Physics department)
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
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
Graduate Students
Nikita Alimov
I am broadly interested in multi-component mechanisms controlling actin disassembly, and my project specifically focuses on collaborations among Cofilin, Aip1, and Srv2/CAP in stimulating actin filament severing and depolymerization. To accomplish this, I am using single molecule TIRF microscopy combined with yeast genetic analysis.
Rey Aguilar
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.
Aldric Rosario
Jointly with the Kondev lab (Physics department)
The goal of my research is to uncover cellular mechanisms for controlling the length of cytoskeletal structures, using yeast actin cables as a model. Combining math, theory, genetics, and super-resolution imaging, I am testing models for length control in which a formin-inhibitor (Smy1) is delivered on actin cables, by a myosin motor, to the formin that assembles the cables.
Neha Koundinya
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.
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Undergraduate Researchers and Techs
Simon Fidlin
(Mentor: Amy Sinclair)
Sydney D'Amaddio
(Mentor: Joe Magliozzi)
Alex Reading
(Mentor: Shane McInally)
Sofia Gonzalez
(Mentor: Alison Wirshing)
Kate Wetzel
(Mentor: Neha Koundinya)
Rabbit Searchers
Galen
Bone Collector
Rylie
Special Assistant
Sadie
Junior Special Assistant
In Loving Memory
Sasha
2000-2015
Mama Bear
Kira
2000-2014
Lazer Pointer Specialist