Research Mentor(s)
Dr. Nick Galati
Description
Centrosomes are dynamic non-membrane bound organelles that are found in mammalian cells. Centrosomes play a role in cell division, orienting the mitotic spindle, and can also influence cell shape, polarity, and motility. Drastic disruptions in centrosomes can cause embryonic lethality and cancers, while subtle disruptions can cause congenital birth defects, degenerative tissue disorders, and heart, brain and limb malformations. Centrosomes are formed when a network of proteins and matrix components are recruited to centrioles and then surround the centrioles forming a donut-like structure called a toroid. Centrosome proteins are found both at the centrosome as a part of the core population and spread throughout cells as satellites. As organelles work together to maintain homeostasis in the cell, disruptions in one organelle may affect the distribution patterns and regulatory mechanisms of other organelles, proteins, and cellular components. I conduct pharmacology experiments using fluorescence microscopy and live human cells to determine how disturbances in organelles may affect centrosomes and their satellite distribution patterns.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
May 2022
End Date
May 2022
Location
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Department
CSE - Biology
Genre/Form
student projects; posters
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Analyzing the Position and Distribution of Centriolar Satellites
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Centrosomes are dynamic non-membrane bound organelles that are found in mammalian cells. Centrosomes play a role in cell division, orienting the mitotic spindle, and can also influence cell shape, polarity, and motility. Drastic disruptions in centrosomes can cause embryonic lethality and cancers, while subtle disruptions can cause congenital birth defects, degenerative tissue disorders, and heart, brain and limb malformations. Centrosomes are formed when a network of proteins and matrix components are recruited to centrioles and then surround the centrioles forming a donut-like structure called a toroid. Centrosome proteins are found both at the centrosome as a part of the core population and spread throughout cells as satellites. As organelles work together to maintain homeostasis in the cell, disruptions in one organelle may affect the distribution patterns and regulatory mechanisms of other organelles, proteins, and cellular components. I conduct pharmacology experiments using fluorescence microscopy and live human cells to determine how disturbances in organelles may affect centrosomes and their satellite distribution patterns.