The Bowerman lab uses genetics and molecular biology to study cytoskeletal functions relevant to cell polarity and cell division in the early Caenorhabditis elegans embryo. The actomyosin cytoskeleton, including NMY-2, is localized to the cell cortex and is important both for generating anterior-posterior polarity, and for the execution of cytokinesis during cell division. The microtubules form the mitotic spindle, with kinetochore MTs capturing and segregating chromosomes, while astral microtubules contact the cell cortex and are important for proper spindle positioning. We are interested in understanding the functions of both the microfilament and microtubule cytoskeleton in the early embryo. Research projects in the lab focus on studies of cytokinesis (both positive and negative regulation of contractile ring activity), mitotic spindle orientation in early embryonic cells, polarization of embryonic cells along the anterior-posterior axis, and the regulation of cell cycle progression in early embryonic cells. For recent publications addressing some of these topics, see selected publications below. To contact people in lab, use the link to lab personnel.

Photograph shows fluorescent imaging of the microtubule and microfilament cytoskeleton in a fixed one-cell stage Caenorhabditis elegans embryo late in mitosis (during anaphase) Microtubules are shown in green, chromosomal DNA in blue, and the non-muscle type II myosin NMY-2 in red. Anterior is to the left.