The Bretscher lab closed in 2023, after 42 fruitful years of research at Cornell!
The Bretscher lab studied how microfilaments contribute to the functional organization of eukaryotic cells. Two model systems were used.
In the first, we investigate the role of actin binding proteins in the functional organization of the apical aspect of polarized epithelial cells. This work is currently centered around ezrin, and has lead us to investigate both signaling and membrane traffic pathways.
In the second, we exploit budding yeast to understand how the actin cytoskeleton polarizes secretion and segregates organelles during the cell cycle. The current focus is on the role of formins and myosin-V motors.
To learn more about our research, click here.
Our research is funded in part by:
