Seb Carreno Lab

We investigate the molecular mechanisms that regulate the actin and microtubule dynamic interplay during cell division.

To this aim we use functional genomics, biochemistry and real time analysis of Drosophila & Mammalian cell lines.

Dividing drosophila S2 cell expressing fluorescently labelled tubulin (green) and actin (red). Requires Flash

Preservation of genome stability requires a tight control of the spatiotemporal coordination of chromosome segregation with cell shape transformation during cell division. Deregulation of this coordination leads to missegregation of chromosomes resulting in aneuploidy that contributes to human cancers. Chromosome segregation occurs via the microtubules (MTs) of the mitotic spindle while cell shape transformations take place via acto-myosin contractions occurring at the cortex. It has been clearly established that MTs control actin remodeling to spatiotemporally control cell division. However, the mechanisms regulating this crosstalk between MT and Actin remain largely unknown. Deregulation of cell division being one of the major causes leading to cancer, our work will enable a better understanding on the molecular pathways that could prevent this disease.

Our lab is part of the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) and is affiliated with the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology of the Faculty of Medicine at the Universite de Montreal.

Have a good surf