生命科学学院2016年度春季学期学术系列讲座之六

题目：How to Make One Cell from Two: Mechanisms of Cell-Cell Fusion

讲座人：Elizabeth Chen, M.S., Ph.D.

Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

时间：2016年4月8日，16:00 - 17:30

地点：北京大学生命科学学院邓祐才报告厅

联系人：宋艳

摘要：

My laboratory studies the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying intercellular fusion, an indispensable process in the conception, development and physiology of multicellular organisms. Using Drosophila myoblast fusion as a starting point, we have systematically approached this question by combining forward genetic screens, molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, live imaging, super-resolution microscopy and electron microscopy. We have identified several core components of the signaling cascade controlling myoblast fusion and elucidated a key function of the actin cytoskeleton in the fusion process. Our research led to the unexpected discovery that myoblast fusion is an asymmetric, invasive process mediated by actin-propelled membrane protrusions from one cell into the apposing fusion partner. Based on the insights from our Drosophila studies, we have reconstituted cell-cell fusion in a generic non-fusogenic cell line and uncovered a general function for actin-propelled membrane protrusions in fusogen engagement. Most recently, we have uncovered a mechanosensory response during the fusion process and shown that mechanical tension is a driving force for cell membrane fusion. Our work to date has established a general biophysical framework for understanding cell-cell fusion: the pushing forces from the invasive membrane protrusions and the resisting forces from the actomyosin network bring the two apposing cell membranes into close proximity to facilitate fusogen engagement and membrane fusion. Our mechanistic studies of the fundamental mechanisms of cell-cell fusion will ultimately facilitate the development of stem cell-based therapies for tissue regeneration and repair.

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