Join us
We are offering PhD Studentships and Masters projects
for students with an interest in interdisciplinary research in molecular biophysics.
Our group is interested in the role of motor proteins in membrane trafficking and other forms of cell motility, structure and pattern formation. We use a variety of approaches ranging from molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology to high-end biophysical techniques.
Our background ist the investigation and understanding of functions of motor proteins and the cytoskeleton in human health and disease, specifically myosin-VI in cancer cell motility, myosins in parasite model systems (Malaria/Leishmania)
In this project, you will have the opportunity to learn and apply interesting techniques such as:
(i) single molecule mechanics using optical traps
(ii) single molecule and super-resolution microscopy
(iii) electron microscopy and single particle image processing
Using these approaches, our aim is to answer the following questions:
(i) mechanical properties and functions of single motor proteins in membrane trafficking;
(ii) collective effects (pattern formation) by myosin motors interacting with model membranes
(iii) modelling in collaboration with the LMU Department of Theoretical Physics (Prof. Frey).
Related publications:
- Reconstitution reveals how myosin-VI self-organises to generate a dynamic mechanism of membrane sculpting. Benoit Rogez, Laeschkir Würthner, Anastasiia B. Petrova, Felix B. Zierhut, Dario Saczko-Brack, Maria-Ana Huergo, Christopher Batters, Erwin Frey & Claudia Veigel: Nature Communications Vol. 10, Article nr. 3305 (2019)
- Self-organization of actin networks by a monomeric myosin. Saczko-Brack D, Warchol E, Rogez B, Kröss M, Heissler S M, Sellers J R, Batters C, Veigel C: Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. (2016) Nov 7
- Calcium can mobilize and activate myosin-VI. Batters C, Brack D, Ellrich H, Averbeck B, Veigel C: Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. (2016) Jan 25
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Further information: English version (PDF)
If You are interested, please contact us:
Prof. Dr. Claudia Veigel (Claudia.Veigel@med.lmu.de)
Lehrstuhl für Zelluläre Physiologie, LMU München, Biomedizinisches Zentrum, Grosshaderner Str. 9, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried Germany.