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Ph.D., 1998, UNC-Chapel Hill (Cell Biology) 1009 BRBII/III
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Our lab is interested in understanding
how positional information is generated within the cell by the cytoskeleton.
For example, our previous studies in fission yeast have shown that bundles
of microtubules can set up a spatial map for the cell to know where to
grow and where to position its nucleus. Microtubule architecture and
dynamics are influenced by both plus- and minus-end microtubule-associated-proteins.
A long-term goal, then, is to understand what role these proteins play
in the establishment and maintenance of cellular spatial domains by microtubules.
We plan to: 1) identify the molecular components of the microtubule organizing
centers, 2) define the interactions of known microtubule-associated-proteins
with the microtubule ends and the roles of these proteins in bringing
about proper nuclear positioning and cellular pattern, and 3) develop
and apply advanced optical imaging and analysis methods to the yeast system. High resolution optical imaging and analysis techniques, use of the green fluorescent protein and its variants as non-invasive fluorescent biosensors, and the model organism Schizosaccharomyces pombe with its well-defined shape, size, and genetic tractability constitute ideal, proven tools for studying cellular spatial organization and regulation.
Selected Publications: Inoué, S., O. Shimomura,
M. Goda, M. Shribak, and P.T. Tran (2002) Fluorescence polarization of
green fluorescent protein. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. (USA) 99:4272-4277. Tran, P.T. and F. Chang (2001)
Transmitted light fluorescence microscopy revisited. Biol. Bull. 201:235-236. Tran, P.T., L. Marsh, V. Doye,
S. Inoué, and F. Chang (2001). A mechanism for nuclear positioning
in fission yeast based upon microtubule pushing. J Cell Biol. 153:397-411. Oldenbourg, R., E.D. Salmon,
and P.T. Tran (1998) Birefringence of single and bundled microtubules.
Biophys. J. 74:645-654. Tran, P.T., R.A. Walker, and
E.D. Salmon (1997) A metastable intermediate state of microtubule dynamic
instability that differs significantly between plus and minus ends. J.
Cell Biol. 138:105-117. Tran, P.T., P. Joshi, and E.D. Salmon (1997) How tubulin subunits dissociate from the shortening ends of microtubules. J. Struct. Biol. 118:107-118. |
