How do cellular signaling pathways localize to the cytoskeleton and regulate cell morphology?

Description of projects available to graduate students:
The Stronach Lab has identified genetic interactions between POSH, an E3 ubiquitin ligase and multi-SH3-domain scaffold protein, and cytoskeletal proteins involved in integrin-mediated cell adhesion, whose disruption in humans is implicated in muscle myopathies. For instance, simultaneous overexpression of POSH and knockdown of Zasp (Z-band alternatively-spliced PDZ protein) result in major morphological defects in tissues undergoing extensive morphogenetic movements. We hypothesize these defects may result from mislocalization of signaling complexes, or misregulation of protein turnover. Come and discover the molecular basis underlying these genetic interactions.

Techniques graduate student will learn:
Drosophila Molecular Genetics
Generation of Double Mutant Tissues and Cell Clones
Tissue Dissection and Confocal Imaging
Live Fluorescent Protein Imaging
Fixed Cell Immunofluorescence
SDS-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis
2D-Difference Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE)