Martin Balastik
Institute of Physiology, CAS
Microtubule regulation in the nervous system development and disease
What are Topical Partner Clusters?
Topical Partner Clusters (TPC) are established by the DIGS-BB and consist of at least three independent research groups each in an institution inside or outside Germany with the focus on a concise topic related to one of the DIGS-BB research fields.
A TPC is associated with a number of DIGS-BB groups by the same topic. Through this cooperation, the DIGS-BB provides a platform for exchange of skills, training, and sharing of facilities and deepen its profile by involving additional scientific and technological expertise (e.g., in highly-specialized and newly-upcoming fields within the DIGS-BB).
1st TPC: Cytoskeletal Dynamics Across Scales
From molecular biophysics to organismal development
The cytoskeleton comprises a dynamic network of filaments that extends throughout the cytoplasm. It is found in all cells, though the proteins that it is made of vary between organisms. The cytoskeleton supports the cell, gives it shape, organizes and tethers the organelles, and has roles in molecule transport, cell division and cell signalling. Together with our colleagues in the TPC, we are interested to study the roles of individual cytoskeletal components and the principles that underly their contributions to cellular function. Towards this end, we apply advanced methods from single-molecule biophysics, biochemistry and molecular biology, aiming to quantitatively describe the behaviour of cytoskeletal systems on different scales; from molecules to cells to tissues.
The 1st TPC Cytoskeletal Dynamics Across Scales consists of research groups from the Cytoskeleton Consortium Prague (CCP) at the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS).
Benefits for PhD students
As a PhD student in the DIGS-BB or in the TPC, you will be able to profit from a range of advantages, such as:
- access to additional research infrastructure (techniques, facilities, services)
- research exchange (shared projects, regular and topical meetings, reciprocal visits, training, lab rotations, joint summer schools)
- predoc guidance and supervision from experts across institutions and borders (Thesis Advisory Committee)
- courses and lectures offered by the respective partner program
- an expanded scientific network and increased international visibility
To apply to the DIGS-BB, follow the regular DIGS-BB application process. If you are interested in working in a TPC group, contact them directly.
Groups in the TPC “Cytoskeletal Dynamics Across Scales”
DIGS-BB Groups associated to the TPC Cytoskeletal Dynamics Across Scales
Benjamin Friedrich
TUD PoL, TUD cfaed
Biological Algorithms: Spatio-temporal dynamics of cells and tissues
Supported by the Joachim Herz Stiftung.
