Filopodia formation

Left Filopodia generated by overexpressing the I-BAR domain of IRSp53 (shown in magenta). Actin-membrane linker Ezrin (shown in cyan) is enriched in these filopodia. Right I-BAR domain enriches ezrin in an inward membrane protrusion generated by the I-BAR domain on a GUV. Cyan, Ezrin

Filopodia are finger-like membrane protrusions involved in many cellular processes including cell migration, adhesion, cell-cell communication, and embryogenesis. Filopodia are characterized by their highly curved membranes and the enveloped actin filaments that are bundled parallelly by fascin. So far, the precise mechanism of filopodia formation remain debatable. We aim to provide a comprehensive knowledge of how filopodia are generated by performing experiments using in cellulo systems, and in vitro reconstitution systems composed of purified proteins and model membranes.

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Feng-Ching Tsai
Feng-Ching Tsai
Project Leader, CNRS Researcher

Biophysicist fascinated by cellular membranes