Shown is an EM image of electron dense vesicles (endosomes, marked by yellow arrow heads) interacting with mother centriole appendages (mother centriole marked by M and daughter central marked by D). Image feature in Hehnly et al. Current Bio, 2012.
Heidi Hehnly's Laboratory
Hehnly’s lab, established in 2015, has made key contributions to the understanding of cellular mechanisms connecting cilia formation, cellular polarity, membrane traffic, and the centrosome to address the overarching question: how are ciliated tissues assembled during tissue development? Using in vitro cell culture or in vivo models (primarily D. rerio as well as C. elegans and murine models) the group uses a multifaceted strategy that combines cell biology, biochemistry, live cell imaging and high-resolution imaging assays, optogenetics, biosensor assays and other cutting edge molecular techniques. Our research has revealed new communication pathways between the centrosome and signaling events guiding mitotic fidelity as well as membrane trafficking events controlled by the small GTPase Rab11. We have linked Rab11 to the centrosome where its interaction can regulate centrosome function (refer to EM image) and early mitotic events, and also contribute to the final stage of cell division, abscission. Our findings have informed and substantiated others’ foundational work that demonstrated the importance of Rab11 in ciliogenesis. Since many of these and other seminal studies were conducted under homogeneous cell culture conditions, my group’s technical expertise has allowed us to enhance or adapt cell culture methodologies and develop new techniques for in vivo organismal experimentation.
Critically important to our group has been (and continues to be) our ability to establish strong relationships with others from whom we learn, forge new scientific connections, and branch out into new areas of science. From these collaborations, novel perspectives and insights have emerged to illuminate and test the role of centrosome protein interactions during development. Furthermore, trainee participation in these projects allows for exciting interactions among researchers from different disciplines, fostering a diversity of perspectives and helping trainees establish long-term scientific networks.