Molecular mechanisms actin(g) on endosomal sorting

Cells sense and respond to their environments through proteins present at the cell surface. The cell surface proteome is constantly remodelled through internalisation of transmembrane proteins into endosomes, where proteins are sorted for degradation or recycled back to the cell surface. Defects in endosomal recycling alters the cell surface proteome, thus affecting processes such as signalling, nutrient uptake and cell migration. Branched endosomal actin is required for endosomal recycling of proteins. The amount of endosomal actin is crucial - too little or too much perturbs protein recycling. I aim to understand how the amount of endosomal actin is regulated and what the mechanistic and physiological role of endosomal actin is. I will use a multi-disciplinary approach, spanning structural, in vitro reconstitution and live cell microscopy approaches. This study will provide mechanistic insight into endosomal recycling, a process increasingly associated with neurodegeneration.