Transport of organelles, RNAs and proteins is essential for the development, health and function of neurons. Defects in the microtubule motors that drive the transport is linked to neurodegenerative and developmental diseases and the transport process is frequently hijacked by viruses. My group is interested in how motors are linked to cargos and how they are coordinated to ensure delivery to the correct destination.
In this PhD project there are options to use either advanced cellular imaging, to ask what adaptors link dynein and kinesin motors to specific cargos, or in vitro reconstitutions and electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) to address the mechanisms of motor function and regulation. It is also possible to gain exposure to both areas depending on your interest.