The cellular internalisation of nutrients, pathogens and membrane components is called endocytosis. This is an essential cellular process that is generally rigorously controlled. When disturbed, it can lead to diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Also, several pathogens, including the Covid19 virus, hijack the endocytic machinery to enter cells and spread within our bodies. Endocytosis is an energy demanding process as it requires the bending of the cellular membrane to form a vesicle. Part of this energy is provided by a dynamic cellular scaffold called actin cytoskeleton. This project aims to understand the fundamental principles on how cells regulate and use this scaffold during endocytosis. These studies will help us to further explain this essential cellular process involved in various devastating diseases.

2021

2026