Super-resolution microscopy of caveolin-1 dynamics in response to mechanical stress: caveolae, scaffolds and cell signaling

Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is a protein on the plasma membrane that forms cup-shaped structures caveolae, which flatten to protect cells under mechanical stress. However, the relationship between the caveolae and other CAV1 structures, scaffolds and dolines, in the process of caveolae formation and flattening is unclear. A challenge is to differentiate caveolae from scaffolds using conventional imaging methods because of their small size. AI-based network analysis of super-resolution microscopy provides a solution to this problem with its ability to determine nanoscale details. Therefore, we aim to determine how mechanical stress impacts CAV1 structures and their interaction with other proteins present in caveolae using super-resolution microscopy. Our results will help understand how CAV1 structures contribute to stress response of cells and how caveolae form. This collaboration project will enable sharing of complementary expertise on super-resolution network analysis from the Nabi Lab at UBC with the expertise of the Lamaze lab at the Institut Curie to further explore the role of caveolae fragmentation to scaffolds in response to mechanical stress.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ivan Robert Nabi

Student:

Partner:

Institut Curie

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Nanotechnology; Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Artificial Intelligence

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: