The polarity of cells is a basic biological necessity required for their function. The underlying organizer of cell morphology is the cytoskeleton where biological filaments collaborate for spatial and temporal governance. Actin cytoskeletal filaments interact intimately with the plasma membrane and serve multiple roles to simultaneously define and regulate the physical structure of the cell, and act as the tracks for intracellular trafficking. Additionally, myosin motors are associated with all actin networks where they apply forces, deliver membrane bound cargo, and ultimately help define the dynamic three-dimensional shape of each cellular structure and achieve cellular polarity.

The goal of my research is to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms governing cell polarity.