ER–spindle coordination
Investigates how endoplasmic-reticulum organization supports centrosomal protein recruitment and mitotic spindle dynamics.
Portrait forthcoming
About
Katie Rollins studies organelle organization and its relationship to cell division, development, and disease. Her doctoral research investigated how the endoplasmic reticulum coordinates with centrosomes and the mitotic spindle during rapid cleavage divisions in Drosophila embryos.
Her NIH research experience includes studies of lysosomal regulation, TFE3 signaling, and cancer-cell motility and invasion.
Expertise
Organelle organization, centrosomes, mitosis, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomal biology, Drosophila genetics and advanced microscopy
Education & career
Current
Postdoctoral Fellow
Rusan Lab · NHLBI, NIH
2024–2026
Postdoctoral Fellow
NHLBI · Rosa Puertollano laboratory
2019–2024
Ph.D. · Cell and Molecular Biology
University of Denver · J. Todd Blankenship
2014–2018
B.S. · Biochemistry; B.A. · French Language Studies
Mount St. Mary’s University
Research highlights
Membrane trafficking in development
Contributed to studies of endocytic recycling and actin networks during rapid embryonic furrow ingression.
Lysosomal regulation and disease
Research experience in TFE3 signaling, organelle biology, and cancer-cell motility and invasion.
Publications
- ER shaping proteins guide spindle elongation and division during rapid cleavage mitoses
- Differential contribution of TFE3 isoforms to cell motility and invasion.
- Dysregulation of the endoplasmic reticulum blocks recruitment of centrosome-associated proteins resulting in mitotic failure.
- A Rab39-Klp98A-Rab35 endocytic recycling pathway is essential for rapid Golgi-dependent furrow ingression.
- Sponge/DOCK-dependent regulation of F-actin networks directing cortical cap behaviors and syncytial furrow ingression.
Manuscripts in preparation
Chronic TFE3 activation in TFE3-associated neurodevelopmental disorder drives metabolic rigidity, lysosomal failure, and cell-substrate destabilization.
Manuscript in preparation · As listed in CV
Recognition
- 2024–2029 NIH Intramural Research Training Award fellowship
- 2021–2024 Graduate Research Assistant fellowship, University of Denver
- 2016–2018 Reverend Dean E. Wilhelm Math and Science Scholarship
Selected presentations
2024
NHLBI CDBC Trainee Seminar
Bethesda, Maryland
2023
Cell Bio · ASCB/EMBO Meeting
Boston, Massachusetts
2023
Annual Drosophila Research Conference
Chicago, Illinois
Teaching & mentoring
Has taught molecular biology, introductory biology, genetics, and science-literacy courses at the University of Denver, and organic chemistry at Mount St. Mary’s University. Facilitates the NIH Archaea to Organoids summer-intern journal club.
Service
Contributes to NHLBI fellows and trainee seminar committees, research-retreat poster judging, and the NIH Fellows Union. Her outreach includes mentoring through Girl Scouts Women in STEM and volunteering with Volo Kids.