The Sun Lab is interested to attain an in-depth, molecular and mechanistic understanding of how cytoskeleton-driven cell motility operates in highly invasive human parasites responsible for significant infectious diseases. Our research focuses on flagellate eukaryotic parasites, specifically Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei), lead to the lethal disease Trypanosomiasis. The swimming ability of these parasites is facilitated by a sensory organelle called the flagellum, which serves as an organelle ruler for cell size. This single flagellum connect to the cell body through membrane- membrane junctions, affecting the parasite’s size, deformability, and swimming behavior.
Our goal is to utilize a genetically engineered miniature T. brucei cell system called zoid and a cutting edge cryo-EM strategy spanning multiple scale to unravel the intricate process by which the intraflagellar transport (IFT) mechanism for flagellum assembly and maintains. Additionally, we seek to elucidate how extracellular vesicles (EVs), a process vital for cell-cell communication, can be coupled with flagellum membrane remodeling. By establishing this imaging platform, the researchers aim to contribute to the broader cryo-electron microscopy community’s knowledge and applications in cell biology studies, particularly those related to infectious diseases.
Potential rotation projects include:
1) Unraveling the gating mechanism of IFT within the flagellum base.
2) Exploring the assembly and function of EVs in cell-cell communication.
3) Investigating the role of the essential organelle biogenesis such as close mitosis.