Molecular bases of actin cytoskeleton reorganisation in cell motility, tumour generation and invasiveness

Study of diseases associated with disruption of actin filaments. The assembly and disassembly of filamentous actin structures provides a driving force of dynamic processes such as cell motility and growth cone and tumor invasion, and therefore require special control and precise temporal. The reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is regulated by actin-binding proteins such as WASP (Wiskott Aldrich syndrome protein) and WIP (WASP interacting protein). WIP stabilizes actin filaments and regulates the location and WASP degradation. WIP deficiency affects essential cellular functions dependent actin reorganization, such as activation, adhesion and cell migration and in a mouse model induces the absence of inflammation and autoimmunity WIP that lead to premature death. Our work will define the molecular basis of the activity of WIP and WASP in actin dynamics and related functions.