2026 / PREPRINT
70. A MOPD II-associated Pericentrin variant disrupts PACT domain dimerization and pericentriolar material recruitment.
bioRxiv · Preprint
# co-first authors
The link between centrosome function and neurogenesis is underscored by mutations in centrosome-associated genes that cause microcephaly. These mutations can deplete neural progenitor cells through mitotic failure, apoptosis, or premature differentiation associated with changes in cell-cycle progression and spindle orientation.
The diversity of microcephaly phenotypes and the many functions of these proteins suggest that this picture remains incomplete. We use Drosophila to investigate how centrosome-related microcephaly genes regulate brain development.
Neural stem cells and asymmetric division
Our work examines proteins required for mitotic spindle organization and centrosome function, including Abnormal Spindles (Asp) and Pericentrin-Like-Protein (PLP). We combine genetic models, imaging, and developmental phenotyping to understand how these proteins influence neural stem-cell divisions and brain architecture.
Selected publications
2022
49. Traip controls mushroom body size by suppressing mitotic defects
Development · 2022; 149(7): dev199987
(* co-corresponding authors)
2019
44. Micro-computed tomography as a platform for exploring Drosophila development
Development · 2019; 146(23): dev176685
2018
39. Same but Different – Pleiotropy in Centrosome-Related Microcephaly.
Mol Biol Cell · 2018; 29(3): 241-246
2015
29. An Asp-CaM complex is required for Centrosome-Pole Cohesion and Centrosome Inheritance in Neural Stem Cells
J Cell Biol · 2015; 211(5): 987-998