Research Focus
Cytoskeletal motor proteins generate the mechanical forces that are required for a vast array of critical biological processes. Research in our laboratory is focused on understanding actin-based motor proteins, collectively referred to as myosins. Present in all cells, these molecular machines transduce the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis into force and motion directed along actin filaments.
Work in our laboratory is guided by two general questions: (1) what are the specific cellular functions performed by a given myosin? and (2) how are these functions governed by that myosin’s biophysical properties? To answer these questions, our laboratory employs a unique combination of cell biological and biophysical approaches. Our current studies are focusing on polarized cell types that are found throughout the body, including the enterocytes found in the intestinal mucosa and the hair cells that reside in the inner ear. These cells possess specialized actin-rich domains that are home to a number of structurally and functionally distinct myosins. The long term goal is to understand how myosin motors contribute to the critical physiological functions carried out by these unique cell types.
Click here to meet current Tyska Lab members.
Click here for directions to the lab.
Click here to see a listing of publications in NCBI’s PubMed.
Graduate students can enter the Tyska Laboratory through the Vanderbilt Interdisciplinary Graduate Program or the Vanderbilt Chemical and Physical Biology Program. To learn about the availability of postdoctoral positions, contact Dr. Tyska directly.
Our laboratory is also affiliated with the Vanderbilt Cytoskeletal Dynamics Group, the VUMC Digestive Diseases Research Center, and the VUMC Epithelial Biology Center.
