Washington University in St Louis · BiochemistryLab of Actin Dynamics and Cell Motility
John A Cooper · Saint Louis, Missouri
Research Focus
Dr. John Cooper's lab studies how proteins regulate the assembly of actin filaments, which are crucial for cell shape and movement. By investigating the allosteric regulation of the actin capping protein, the lab aims to understand how certain protein interactions affect cellular motility in health and disease. Their work combines biochemistry, molecular genetics, and advanced imaging techniques to explore the mechanisms driving cell migration and actin dynamics.
actin dynamicscell motilityprotein regulationbiochemical reconstitutionmolecular genetics
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how CPI-motif proteins affect actin capping protein activity.
AIM 02Explore the molecular biophysical mechanisms of allosteric regulation in CP.
AIM 03Test the physiological functions of actin regulators in cell motility.
AIM 04Reconstitute actin polymerization at cellular membranes using purified components.
AIM 05Analyze cell migration dynamics in endothelial monolayers.
Skills the Lab Values
protein purificationbiochemical assayscell culturesingle-molecule FRETmolecular dynamics simulationsmicroscopyreal-time cell imaginggenetic manipulationactin polymerization studiesendothelial cell assays
Output against the department
Publications461top 10% of dept.40th of 402
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations33ktop 9% of dept.38th of 402
this lab
most citedleast cited
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