Research
@ The Galati Lab
Projects
Protein transport in cilia function
We are using high resolution fluorescence microscopy to understand how protein transport contributes to the formation and function of cilia. Problems that interest us include how protein machinery converges at the base of cilia and how this convergence enables cilia to both perceive the extracellular environment and generate fluid flow. We are also interested in how the position of cilia, relative to the cell and relative to one another, impacts the formation and function of cilia. We address this problem in mammalian cells and in ciliate organisms, including Tetrahymena.
The research students working on this project are:
- Hannah Fisher, Graduate Student
- Liz Cameron, Graduate Student
- Tulip O’Neill, Undergraduate Student
Biophysics of the plant cytoskeleton
Collaboration with Drs. Serge Smirnov (Chemistry) and Jeff Young (Biology)
We are using genetics, NMR and microscopy to investigate the biophysics of the plant cytoskeletal in live plants and in in vitro reconstituted systems. A major focus of this work is understanding how intrinsically disordered domains impact the formation of microvilli during root development.
The research students working on this project are:
- Josh McNamara, Undergraduate Student
- Melissa Ould es cheikh, Undergraduate Student, Smirnov Lab
RNAi pathways in Tetrahymena
With Dr. Suzanne Lee (WWU) and with Biology 484 (a course-based research)
Tetrahymena has a deeply conserved RNA interference pathway. Together with Dr. Lee, we are using biochemistry, genomics, and microscopy to uncover novel functions of the RNAi pathway in Tetrahymena. In addition to being a productive research collaboration, this project has been integrated into Biology 484, which is a course-based undergraduate experience that is centered on quantitative microscopy
The research students working on this project are:
- Christina Mong, Undergraduate Student, Lee Lab
- Maya Matsumoto, Undergraduate Student, Lee Lab
- Jason Sasser, Undergraduate Student, Lee Lab
- Biology 484 Students
Ciliate predation in the Salish Sea
Collaboration with Dr. Brady Olson (WWU and Shannon Point Marine Center)
Marine ciliates use ensembles of cilia to both hunt for food and to escape predators. We have isolated ciliates from the Salish sea and we are now investigating the cell biology of how these ciliates navigate the predatory/prey landscape.
The research students working on this project are:
- Beatriz Morales, Undergraduate Student
- Melody Campbell, Undergraduate Student
- William Zwolinski, Undergraduate Student
- Haven Johansen, Undergraduate Student
- Alec Maroon, Undergraduate Student
- Maizer Sparkman, Undergraduate Student
- Sarah Gamber, Undergraduate Student, Olson Lab