Molecular mechanisms of photoreceptor disc morphogenesis

This project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms initiating the formation of new photoreceptor discs, which occurs approximately 80 times per day in mammals. The research will build on recent findings that the actin network driving disc formation is nucleated by the WAVE protein complex. The goal is to understand the entire mechanism of periodic actin assembly and disassembly at the disc morphogenesis site. This will involve combining expertise from two laboratories and utilizing genetically modified mice and Xenopus frogs to investigate the regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics by small GTPases and phosphoinositides, including in living photoreceptors. The findings are expected to advance understanding of basic photoreceptor cell biology and pathobiological mechanisms underlying photoreceptor degeneration.