Dr. Ram Dixit — Washington University in St. Louis Department of Biology, Associate Professor

Title: Tending the Microtubule Garden: Pruners, Protectors and Growers

Abstract: In plants, the cortical microtubule cytoskeleton determines cell shape by spatially organizing the deposition of cell wall material. To perform this morphogenetic function, cortical microtubules need to be arranged into defined structures depending on the cell type and developmental state. This feat is achieved by a host of microtubule-associated proteins that regulate polymer number, length and turnover. In my talk, I will present our recent findings on how the microtubule severing protein katanin and new plus-end and minus-end tracking proteins that we have discovered in Arabidopsis thaliana work together to control cortical microtubule dynamics and architecture. I will also briefly discuss the research objectives and opportunities for students and postdocs at our NSF-funded Center for Engineering Mechanobiology.

Refreshments will be served prior to the GDCB Seminar at 3:45 p.m.

Host: Steve Howell