MCB Seminar Series: Dr. Jessica Henty-Ridilla
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 3:30–4:30 PM
- LocationBPB 130
- DescriptionDr. Jessica Henty-RidillaAssociate Professor/Biochemistry and Molecular Biology SUNY Upstate Medical University Camillus Host: Ken CampelloneTDP-43 directly regulates actin and microtubule dynamics Actin and microtubule dynamics regulate essential cell processes and are misregulated in disease. Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by a progressive loss of neurons. While many of the individual factors that regulate and maintain these cells are known, the collaboration or failure of these molecules in disease remains unclear.TDP-43 is a hallmark of almost all forms of neurodegeneration and can exist in various forms, including soluble molecules, biomolecular condensates, and pathological fibrils. In disease, these condensates and fibrils accumulate in the cytoplasm and disrupt essential cell processes regulated by the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons, leading to pathological symptoms. Here we explore the new and direct contribution of TDP-43 in directly regulating actin and microtubule assembly, and their coordination. We use multi-wavelength TIRF microscopy to examine the direct effects of purified TDP-43 (normal and ALS-mutants), actin, and microtubules on assembly. In cells, we use pharmacological agents and FRAP-based analyses to explore the contribution of TDP-43 to cytoplasmic actin and microtubule dynamics and whether the cytoskeleton influences TDP-43 condensates in the cytoplasm. This approach allows us to quantify pre- and post-disease state changes from the same cell, mimicking the onset of some neurodegenerative disorders, particularly ALS. Identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying these intricate biological systems will contribute significantly to the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions.About Dr. Henty-Ridilla Dr. Henty-Ridilla is currently an Associate Professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University (Syracuse, NY). She holds appointments in the departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Neuroscience and Physiology. Her laboratory uses advanced single-molecule microscopy (TIRF, STORM, SoRa) to perform "biochemistry on a coverslip" to study how actin and microtubule proteins are regulated in normal and neurodegenerative disease states. Her research program focuses on the role of TDP-43, profilin (and its disease variants), actin, and microtubules in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Research in the lab is funded with grants from NIH, the ALS Association, and a Sinsheimer Scholar AwardHenty- Ridilla Lab (https://www.cytoskeletown.com)
- Websitehttps://events.uconn.edu/event/696222-mcb-seminar-series-dr-jessica-henty-ridilla