Ph.D. Program in Physiology and Cellular Biology : The Cytoskeleton in Cell Differentiation and Development
The differentiating ovarian follicle of several squamous reptiles offers a good model to study the organization of different cytoskeletal structures (microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments) since it is made by cells of various origin, structure and function. In fact, in the cytoplasm of the oocyte many different molecules accumulate, which are relevant for embryonic development. As reported in the literature, the correct positioning of these molecules depends on the cytoskeleton. On the contrary, the somatic follicle epithelial cells proliferate, migrate and selectively transfer substances to the growing oocyte. Therefore these cells perform various functions engaging the cytoskeleton. So far we have characterized the keratin structures of the various oogenetic stages and cell types, and extended these studies also to some other tissues. We intend now to analyze the microtubules. Our research will take advantage of optic and electron microscopy analyses of immunostained preparations for morphological characterization. From the biochemical point of view, the different proteins will be characterized by western blot.
Research Group
Maria Gabriella Maurizii (Research Associate)
Carlo Taddei (Full professor)
