SCIENTIFIC SEMINARS

LECTURES Professor Marco Rust

On January 11th, 2024 we had a pleasure to host Prof. Marco Rust from the Molecular Neurobiology Group at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Biochemical-Pharmacological Center (BPC), University of Marburg. 

He elaborated on the crucial roles played by CAP1 and CAP2 in regulating actin dynamics and collaborating with cofilin1 for neuronal function and dendritic spine maturation in a seminar titled “Cyclase-associated protein (CAP): a novel CAPt’n of neuronal actin dynamics”.

The lecture was followed by Q&A Session for Young Investigators.

Seminar Title: „Cyclase-associated protein (CAP): a novel CAPt’n of neuronal actin dynamics

About Prof. Marco Rust: Prof. Marco Rust completed his Diploma in Biology at the University of Bielefeld in 2000, followed by his PhD at the Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University of Hamburg, from 2000 to 2004. He then pursued postdoctoral fellowships at the ZMNH (2004-2005) and the European Molecular Biology Laboratories (EMBL) in Rome, Italy (2005-2007). Afterward, he was Independent Group Leader for Neurobiology at the University of Kaiserslautern from 2008 to 2014. Since 2014, Prof. Rust has held the position of Professor for Molecular Neurobiology at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University of Marburg, Germany.

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Abstract:

Research in Prof. Rust’s lab focuses on deciphering the molecular mechanisms controlling neuronal actin dynamics and understanding the relevance of actin regulators in the development and function of the mammalian brain. Prof. Rust’s team has identified actin-depolymerizing proteins of the ADF/cofilin family as pivotal regulators in neurons, impacting the morphology and function of excitatory synapses. Their exploration extends to understanding the role of cyclase-associated protein (CAP), which recent studies suggest may collaborate with ADF/cofilin in neuronal functions. By investigating CAP1 and CAP2 in the brain, particularly in dendritic spines, the team has revealed their involvement in regulating actin dynamics and their interdependence with cofilin1, along with their roles in controlling dendritic spine maturation.

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video

The video recording from the seminar

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