You are invited to attend this seminar hosted by the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology:
Date: Wednesday, 29 May 2024
Time: 11.00AM – 12.00PM
Venue: IMCB Seminar Room 03-46, Level 3 Proteos, Biopolis, Singapore 138673 (Physical)
Speaker: Prof Peter Cullen, University of Bristol
Host: Prof Hong Wanjin, IMCB
Endosomal Network Function in Cell Physiology and Disease
Abstract
Our research seeks to define a central process in eukaryotic cell biology: how integral membrane receptors, channels, transporters, pumps, adhesion molecules, polarity cues, etc on entering the human endosomal network are retrieved from lysosomal degradation and promoted for recycling and reuse to the cell surface, the biosynthetic and autophagic pathways, and other organelles including lysosomal-related organelles. We apply a multidisciplinary approach from structural analysis and supported bilayer reconstitutions through to biochemistry and cell biology in cell culture and model organisms to translate basic mechanistic findings through to functional relevance for cell and organism-level physiology. We are evolving our research by engaging with clinical colleagues to better understand endosomal network dysfunction in developmental and age-related disease and to consider non-classical roles for the endosomal network in cell physiology.
Biography
Peter Cullen is the Royal Society Noreen Murray Research Professor, a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and an EMBO Member. He is recognized for his discoveries that have transformed our mechanistic understanding of how thousands of integral proteins on entering the human endosomal network avoid lysosomal degradation and instead are selected for recycling and reuse during organelle biogenesis and homeostasis, and activity-dependent organelle remodeling. His work has provided a global view of the function of endosomal recycling in processes ranging from cell adhesion and migration, nutrient and solute uptake through to morphogenic gradient formation and neuronal plasticity and neuroprotection. With de-regulation of endosomal recycling increasingly associated with human disease, Pete’s discoveries are having immediate and long-lasting impact in understanding and identifying therapeutic targets for diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, metabolic syndromes and bacteria/viral host interactions.
ALL ARE WELCOME (No registration required)
