Wang Lab: Centrosomes, cilia, subcellular organization

How are the micron-scale functions of organelles determined by the assembly of nanometer-scale proteins? How do complex structures grow and duplicate? How are non-membrane-bound organelles differentiated from the cytoplasm?

The Wang lab (Dr. Jennifer Wang, PI) studies these questions in the context of the mammalian centrosome-cilium complex. This highly conserved structure is involved in cell division, signaling and motility. We use CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, high resolution microscopy, and biochemical techniques to investigate how this complex forms and functions.

We are part of the Department of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis.