The Mechanics of Asymmetric Cell Division

Asymmetric cell division (ACD) is an evolutionary conserved mechanism used by stem and progenitor cells to form differentiating progeny while maintaining a self-renewed stem/progenitor cell. Drosophila neuroblasts, the precursors of the fly nervous system provide a good model system to study ACD in the context of brain development.

Although asymmetric cell division has been intensively studied, relatively little is known about the underlying mechanical and biophysical parameters.

In this IPhD project, we propose to look at the mechanics of ACD at the single cell level. We will use a variety of methods such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), pressure measurements, genetically encoded FRET sensors and advanced live imaging methods to monitor and quantify cell shape changes associated with ACD.

Mot-clé: Asymmetric cell division, AFM, FRET, PIV, Drosophila neuroblasts, light sheet microscopy