Approaches & Systems

We take advantage of large cells with many nuclei, also called syncytia, to discover fundamental principles of cell organization. These large cells are excellent models for studying how cytosol can be structured and how cells perceive their geometry. Most syncytia have been understudied in terms of cell biology. We have projects using a variety of different types of fungi and placenta organoids in addition to a variety of biochemical reconstitution assays. We are early adopters of new light microscopy approaches and through collaborations with microscope developers help advance imaging. See our research questions page to see how we are applying these approaches.