Thesis defence
Title :
Membrane based model systems for integrin mediated adhesion
Abstracts :
Cells adhere to their surroundings via the cell membrane. When adhering to the extracellular matrix (ECM), transmembrane proteins integrins form mechanosensitive structures (focal adhesions, FAs) that mechanically couple the actomyosin cytoskeleton to the ECM. The long-term objective of our project is to understand the links between actomyosin force, integrin regulation, and ECM properties, which underly FA mechanosensitivity.
We use a bottom-up approach to reconstitute a minimal adhesion complex on two model membrane systems: synthetic GUVs (Giant Unilamellar Vesicles) and GPMVs (Giant Plasma Membrane Vesicles) derived from cells. We optimized a protocol to make integrin-containing GUVs that were able to adhere to functionalized substrates on one side and to bind integrin regulatory protein talin on the other side, proving the functionality of the embedded integrins. Next, we improved several steps in a protocol to successfully isolate integrin-containing GPMVs from cells.
Jury :
Mme Stephanie MANGENOT, Université Paris Cité – Campus Grands Moulins, Rapporteure
Mme Gladys MASSIERA, Université Montpellier, Rapporteure
M. James STURGIS, Université Aix-Marseille, Président
M. Clément CAMPILLO, Université Evry val d’essonne, Examinateur
Mme Kheya SENGUPTA, Université Aix-Marseille, Directrice de thèse
Mme Emmanuèle HELFER, Université Aix-Marseille, Co-directrice de thèse