On January 11, 2024, Łukasiewicz – PORT Polish Center for Technology Development will host Prof. Marco Rust from the Institute of Physiological Chemistry (Biochemical-Pharmacological Center) at the University of Marburg, who will deliver a lecture titled: “Cyclase-associated protein (CAP): a novel CAPt’n of neuronal actin dynamics.”
The lecture may be attended in person at Łukasiewicz – PORT (ul. Stabłowicka 147, Wrocław) or online via the SAME-Match-Treat platform: SAME-NeuroID Seminar with Marco Rust | SAME-Match-Treat (b2match.com)
After the lecture, a Q&A session will take place for early-career researchers, who will have the opportunity to seek advice from our guest on accelerating a scientific career and avoiding common pitfalls and challenges. The meeting with young researchers will take place after the lecture from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
Title of the seminar:
“Cyclase-associated protein (CAP): a novel CAPt’n of neuronal actin dynamics”
Abstract:
Research conducted by Professor Rust’s team focuses on deciphering the molecular mechanisms controlling neuronal actin dynamics and understanding the role of actin regulators in the development and function of the mammalian brain. Professor Rust’s group identified actin-depolymerizing proteins from the ADF/cofilin family as key regulators in neurons, influencing the morphology and function of excitatory synapses. Their work also includes efforts to understand the role of cyclase-associated protein (CAP), which according to recent studies may cooperate with ADF/cofilin in neuronal functions. Through the study of CAP1 and CAP2 in the brain, particularly in dendritic spines, the team has demonstrated their involvement in regulating actin dynamics, their interdependence with cofilin1, and their role in controlling dendritic spine maturation.
About the Professor:
Professor Marco Rust completed his biology studies at the University of Bielefeld in 2000, followed by a PhD at the Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University of Hamburg, between 2000 and 2004. He then pursued postdoctoral training at ZMNH (2004–2005) and at the European Molecular Biology Laboratories (EMBL) in Rome (2005–2007). He subsequently served as an Independent Group Leader in Neurobiology at the University of Kaiserslautern from 2008 to 2014. Since 2014, Professor Rust has held the position of Professor of Molecular Neurobiology at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry at the University of Marburg in Germany.
The event is organized as part of the SAME-NeuroID project funded under the Horizon Europe program.
