Structure and molecular function of protein complexes involved in cell cycle regulation

This PhD project is proposed for a candidate with a strong interest in the cell cycle. The cell cycle is the fundamental biological process where the cell coordinates chromosome replication and segregation with cell growth and division.

This project focuses on dissecting the molecular mechanisms of cell cycle regulation mediated by large macromolecular complexes such as the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C). In the lab we use a combination of protein complex reconstitution, biochemical analysis, structural characterization by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and functional analysis in cell lines.

Disruption of the cell cycle is one of the main features of cancerous cells. Understanding the molecular mechanism of cell cycle regulation will contribute to (i) understanding the molecular biology of cell division and to (ii) designing novel anti-cancer drugs to be used in more effective therapies targeting both cycling and quiescent tumour cells.