# Mechanisms of coordinated actin and microtubule dynamics

> **NIH NIH R35** · UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $440,100

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The actin and microtubule cytoskeletons are filamentous polymers that regulate vital cell processes, including
but not limited to division, morphogenesis, DNA synthesis and repair, phagocytosis, and motility. Exactly how
the dynamics of individual actin filaments or microtubules are regulated and coordinated in these cell processes
is not fully understood. The goal of this research is to understand actin and microtubule assembly and their
coordination by 1) developing new tools to visualize these proteins and their regulators, and 2) examining the
emerging convergence between these proteins and membrane-less biomolecular condensates. This project
utilizes an advanced in vitro biomimetic microscopy system capable of simultaneously monitoring fluorescent
actin filaments, microtubules, and other regulatory proteins to elucidate detailed molecular mechanisms at single-
molecule resolution. To address these mechanisms in a more physiological setting, we plan to combine these
probes with an opto-genetic system that mimics several neurodegenerative disorders by repositioning
condensates from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This innovative approach imitates the onset of most
neurodegenerative disorders and allows us to quantify pre- and post-disease state changes at high-resolution in
the same cell. Identifying the molecular mechanisms that underlie these intricate biological systems (e.g., the
dynamics of the cytoskeleton and biomolecular condensates) will significantly contribute to our understanding of
fundamental biological processes and the onset of most neurodegenerative conditions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10841868
- **Project number:** 2R35GM133485-06
- **Recipient organization:** UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jessica L. Ridilla
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $440,100
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-08-15 → 2029-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10841868

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10841868, Mechanisms of coordinated actin and microtubule dynamics (2R35GM133485-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10841868. Licensed CC0.

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