Controlling cell shape is an essential function of all cells, which allows adjusting and adapting to various environments and requirements. Moreover, it is crucial for a number of cellular processes, particularly during cell polarization and migration. The synergistic action of several signaling pathways initiates changes of the cell shape and the outcome is seen as a remodeling of membrane- or cytoskeleton structures that provide a binding platform for various factors.
We are interested in elucidating mechanisms of cell shape formation and downstream cytoskeleton remodeling using cryo-EM together with biochemical and biophysical approaches.