The Webb laboratory is interested in cell migration, which plays a pivotal role in many important phenomena including cancer, mental retardation and embryonic development. Trainees are studying the signaling pathways that regulate adhesion and cytoskeletal dynamics in a variety of normal and cancer cells since this could lead to new targets for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics. A special focus in the Webb lab is understanding the signaling pathways that regulate the formation of dendritic spines and synapses in the central nervous system. The dynamics of these spines is an exciting frontier in neuroscience because it contributes to synaptic plasticity, which underlies cognitive functions, such as learning and memory.

For more information about Dr. Webb visit her Vanderbilt Faculty Page

NEWEST PUBLICATIONS

Asymmetric focal adhesion disassembly in motile cells.  2008 Current Opinion in Cell Biology  20: 85-90

N-WASP and the ASrp2/3 complex are critical regulators of actin in the development of dendritic spines and synapses.  2008 Journal of Biological Chemistry 283: 15912-15920