Work in our group focuses on the proteins of the centrosome, and on their role in nucleation and organization of microtubules. We try to understand how microtubules are formed from the gamma-tubulin ring complex, a template structure consisting of gamma-tubulin and associated proteins. We investigate the protein interactions that trigger assembly and activation of this multi-protein complex. Because the centrosome loses its function as a microtubule-organizing centre in many differentiated cell types, and because centrosome proteins re-localize to novel sites of microtubule organization, we study the underlying mechanisms in two cellular models, myoblasts and skin keratinocytes.
Schweizer N, Haren L, Dutto I, Viais R, Lacasa C, Merdes A, Lüders J. . Sub-centrosomal mapping identifies augmin-γTuRC as part of a centriole-stabilizing scaffold. Nat Commun. 2021 Oct 15;12(1):6042. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-26252-5. 2021 Oct
Merdes A. . Microtubule nucleation without a ring? J Cell Biol. 2021 Mar 1;220(3):e202101015. doi: 10.1083/jcb.202101015. 2021 Mar
Haren L, Farache D, Emorine L, Merdes A. . A stable sub-complex between GCP4, GCP5 and GCP6 promotes the assembly of γ-tubulin ring complexes. J Cell Sci. 2020 Jun 3;133(11):jcs244368. doi: 10.1242/jcs.244368. 2020 Jun
Lecland N, Hsu CY, Chemin C, Merdes A, Bierkamp C. Epidermal development requires ninein for spindle orientation and cortical microtubule organization Life Sci Alliance 2019 Mar 2:e201900373. doi: 10.26508/lsa.201900373.
Hsu CY, Lecland N, Pendaries V, Viodé C, Redoulès D, Paul C, Merdes A, Simon M, Bierkamp C.. Stabilization of microtubules restores barrier function after cytokine-induced defects in reconstructed human epidermis. J Dermatol Sci. 2018 Jul;91(1):87-96. 2018 Jul
