Andreas Nebenfuhr

Keywords:

Intracellular motility, myosin, protein targeting, secretion, Golgi apparatus

Research Area:

Cell biology, secretory system, Golgi apparatus, protein targeting, intracellular movements, myosin, plants

Description of Research:

The secretory system of eukaryotes delivers macromolecules from the interior to the surface of the cells. In plants, these macromolecules include plasma membrane proteins and cell wall polysaccharides. The transport processes involved are mediated by a series of membranous organelles, among which the Golgi apparatus plays central processing and sorting roles (Nebenf�hr and Staehelin, 2001). Recent research by myself and others has demonstrated that the Golgi apparatus of plants is a highly dynamic organelle that can move actively through the cell (Nebenführ et al 1999). I have proposed that this movement is not random but directed, and that the Golgi stacks of plant cells can act as "delivery vehicles" for their products (Nebenführ et al, 1999, 2000). Future research will be aimed at addressing the mechanisms that allow Golgi stacks to move through the cytoplasm and become recruited to specific locations in the cell. In addition, model systems are investigated that display specific localization of plasma membrane (PM) or cell wall compounds in order to identify the targeting mechanisms involved. This research involves cytological, biochemical, molecular and genetic approaches and takes advantage of recent advances in biology (genomics) and instrumentation (live-cell imaging). Additional information can be found at my lab web page.

Contact Information

Andreas Nebenfuhr
Molecular Genetics and Systems Biology
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Cellular & Molecular Biology

UT
240 Hesler Biology
Knoxville, TN 37996-0840
865-974-9201

Email: nebenfuehr@utk.edu

Degrees

PhD: Oregon State University