Microtubules and Cell Motility
Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology
Columbia University
630 W. 168th Street
New York, NY 10032
We are conducting research to understand the role of cytoskeletal elements, termed microtubules, in cell functions such as division, migration and polarity. We use cellular and molecular approaches to study the molecular mechanisms involved in regulating microtubule dynamics and stabilization. Our work is aimed at understanding how microtubules respond to external signals (growth factors, extracellular matrix components and other cells) in order to organize cellular organelles for specific cell functions. As microtubules are key elements of basic cellular activities, our studies may contribute to understanding neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and processes such as wound healing.