Bridging actin dynamics with membrane dynamics

          Dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton play a central role in many cellular processes, including muscle contraction, cell motility, and maintenance of cell junctions and cell shapes. Defects in actin regulation contribute to many diseases including cancer, developmental disorders, and immunodeficiencies. While working in Rosen lab in HHMI and UT Southwestern Medical center, I discovered a novel actin regulatory assembly, the 5-component WASH complex.

          I am going to present the discovery, structure, and function of the WASH complex. I will also discuss how these studies could contribute to our diagnosis and treatments of certain types of neurodegenerative disorders.