OBJECTIVES
The aim of this project is to understand at the molecular level the link between membrane structures and the actin cytoskeleton. Ezrin and Moesin, members of the ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) family, are membrane/cytoskeleton linkers involved in cell morphogenesis and motility.
Our goal is to study ERM proteins/lipid membrane/cytoskeleton interactions in vitro in biomimetic systems in order to better understand the underlying molecular processes. To this end, we produce recombinant ERM proteins and mutants and engineer biomimetic lipid membranes, especially LUVs (large unilamellar vesicles) and supported lipid bilayers (SLBs). Molecular interactions are studied by a large set of biophysical techniques (QCM-D, AFM, FTIR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and TIRF).
Our goal is to study ERM proteins/lipid membrane/cytoskeleton interactions in vitro in biomimetic systems in order to better understand the underlying molecular processes. To this end, we produce recombinant ERM proteins and mutants and engineer biomimetic lipid membranes, especially LUVs (large unilamellar vesicles) and supported lipid bilayers (SLBs). Molecular interactions are studied by a large set of biophysical techniques (QCM-D, AFM, FTIR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and TIRF).
Researchers
Group Members
Quentin Lubart (PhD student) Fabien Dalonneau (Assistant engineer)
Selected Publications
Model membranes to shed light on the biochemical and physical properties of ezrin/radixin/moesin.Maniti O, Carvalho K, Picart C.
Biochimie. 2013.
Binding of moesin and ezrin to membranes containing phosphatidylinositol(4,5) bisphosphate: a comparative study of the affinity constants and conformational changes. Maniti O, Kalifa N, Goggia L, Dalonneau F, Guérin C, Blanchoin L, Ramos L, Picart C.
Biochim Biophys. Acta. 2012.
Targeting of MuLV Gag to the plasma membrane is mediated by PI(4,5)P2/PS and a polybasic region in the Matrix. Hamard-Peron E, Juilliard F, Saad JS, Roy C, Roingeard P, Summers MF, Darlix JL, Picart C, Muriaux D.
J. Virol. 84. 2010.
Quantitative analysis of the binding of ezrin to large unilamellar vesicles containing phosphatidylinositol(4,5) bisphosphate. Blin G, Margeat E, Carvalho K, Royer CA, Roy C, Picart C.
Biophys. J. 2008.
Giant unilamellar vesicles containing phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate : characterization and functionality. Carvalho K, Ramos L, Roy C, Picart C.
Biophys. J. 2008.