J. Manzi

Conformational changes of the ABC Transporter BmrA Depend on Membrane Curvature

This study shows that the conformational changes of the bacterial ABC transporter BmrA are influenced by membrane curvature, affecting its activity and conformational states.

Correlative Imaging of 3D Cell Culture on Opaque Bioscaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications

This paper develops a method to image cell growth on opaque 3D scaffolds using X-ray MicroCT after staining with fluorophores and gold nanoparticles.

Cell adhesion and spreading on fluid membranes through microtubules-dependent mechanotransduction

The paper shows that cells spread on fluid lipid bilayers coated with Invasin, relying on microtubule-mediated forces rather than actomyosin contraction.

Activated I-BAR IRSp53 clustering controls the formation of VASP-actin-based membrane protrusions

The paper investigates how IRSp53 clustering regulates filopodia initiation by recruiting VASP to form actin-based membrane protrusions.

Full assembly of HIV-1 particles requires assistance of the membrane curvature factor IRSp53.

This study shows that IRSp53 assists HIV-1 in forming membrane curvature necessary for complete particle assembly.

Nanoscale architecture of a VAP-A-OSBP tethering complex at membrane contact site

The paper investigates the nanoscale structure of a VAP-A-OSBP tethering complex at membrane contact sites using in vitro models and cryo-tomography.

Actin modulates shape and mechanics of tubular membranes

This study investigates how actin affects the shape and mechanical stability of tubular membranes by observing actin sleeve growth on preformed membrane tubes.

Optogenetic dissection of Rac1 and Cdc42 gradient shaping

This study uses optogenetics and micropatterning to show that Cdc42 and Rac1 gradients in migrating cells are shaped by spatial patterns of activators and deactivators, not advection or diffusion, and that gradient extent, not slope or amplitude, controls cell migration.

Ezrin enrichment on curved membranes requires a specific conformation or interaction with a curvature-sensitive partner

This study investigates how ezrin enrichment on curved membranes depends on its conformation or interaction with curvature-sensitive partners, showing that specific conformations and binding to I-BAR-domain proteins enable targeting to curved membranes.