Defining Centriolar Plaque Architecture and Function Across Eukaryotic Diversity Using Expansion Microscopy and Proteomics

NIH RePORTER · GM · R35 · $396,250 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

This research proposal aims to decode the structural and molecular architecture of centriolar plaques (CPs), a non-centrosomal microtubule organizing center, in the context of atypical eukaryotic cell division. Using expansion microscopy (U-ExM), we will map CP composition and dynamics with high resolution investigating their roles in MTOC formation, cell polarity, and organelle segregation during division. Our approach integrates U-ExM with functional analyses, leveraging CRISPR-Cas9 technology to generate inducible knockdown cell lines. This strategy will reveal the localizations and roles of key CP components, including taxon-specific and conserved proteins, in supporting nuclear division and cellular organization. By advancing our understanding of CP architecture and function, this work will provide transformative insights into conserved and divergent principles of eukaryotic cell division, offering a comparative framework to explore cellular diversity across eukaryotes.

Key facts

NIH application ID
11258119
Project number
1R35GM161216-01
Recipient
INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
Principal Investigator
Sabrina Absalon
Activity code
R35
Funding institute
GM
Fiscal year
2026
Award amount
$396,250
Award type
1
Project period
2026-03-01T00:00:00 → 2031-02-28T00:00:00