The European network

for cell migration studies

9 - Mechanisms of downstream signalling from the Rho GTPase network to
cell morphogenesis and cell motility

We study how cytoskeletal effectors such as formins are spatially and temporally controlled by Rho GTPase networks and how this is translated into dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and force generation. Microscopy-based measurements of cytoskeletal dynamics Rho GTPase activity, local effector recruitment dynamics, force transduction and cell shape changes will enable analysis of their spatio-temporal correlation. We will combine those experiments with acute or long-term Rho GTPase perturbations via photo-activation, small molecule dimerizer or RNAi to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. In particular, we will focus on the influence of matrix elasticity on GTPase-effector signalling by measuring the spatio-temporal correlation of stress fibre and focal adhesion turnover with Rho GTPase activities and effector recruitment, as well as tyrosine kinase signalling downstream of integrins.

Last update: 28.05.2018

incem@rwth-aachen.de

Advanced cell migration assays (P1)

Chemotaxis and 2D/3D Migration (P2)

Analysis of keratin dynamics during migration (P3)

Impact of keratin network regulation on migrating cells (P4)

Correlation analyses of migration structure components and front-rear interplay (P5)

Life cycle analysis of actin, focal adhesions and force measurements (P6)

Monitoring of cancer cell migration in living animals  (P7)

Principles of the filopodia structure, dynamics and mechanics (P8)

Mechanisms of downstream signalling from the Rho GTPase network to

cell morphogenesis and cell motility (P9)

Real-time tracking of keratinocyte migration and analysis of cell membrane shape changes (P10)

Image analysis of integrated cytoskeletal network dynamics (P11)

Coupling bulk-surface models for cell migration (P12)

Shaping membranes and actin fibres by forces (P13)

Integrating shape change models and imaging – inverse problem solving and model validation (P14)

Understanding spatio-temporal dynamics of the cytosol network during cell migration  (P15)

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 642866.