Cell polarity

Our group currently consists of the principal investigator (Research Professor), three predoctoral fellows, and one hired research assistant. In recent years our work has focused on two different projects. In the first one we study the biogenesis of the primary cilium. This structure, which is present as a single copy in the cell, consists of a specialized protrusion of the plasma membrane that regulates a wide variety of signaling pathways essential for cell differentiation and development. Ciliary dysfunction produces an extensive list of human diseases, which collectively are called ciliopathies. The second project deals with the functional characterization of INF2, a protein belonging to the family of formins, whose mutation produces human degenerative diseases that affect the functionality of the kidney (focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis) and that of the peripheral nervous system (Charcot-Marie- Tooth).