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.

Click Here

Mitochondria dynamics in ciliates

We are using expansion and live cell microscopy to investigate the positioning and dynamics of mitochondria at the base of cilia. Problems that interest us include how mitochondria are localized across arrays of cilia and the functional implications of this localization. This work is being conducted in Tetrahymena and Paramecium.

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.

Click Here

RNAi pathways in Tetrahymena

With Dr. Suzanne Lee (WWU) and with Biology 484 (a course-based research experience)

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.

Click Here