Studies in cultured cells and model organisms have been successful in identifying many molecular components and specific protein-protein interactions. We now want to confront the complexity of how these components function in differentiated cell types. Our interests in caveolae and in endocytosis lead to projected experiments to elucidate the function of caveolae in the vascular system, and the membrane traffic mechanisms underlying vesicular transcytosis in endothelium. We will complement these experiments with biochemical and functional analysis of protein complexes at the neck of caveolae. In the case of flotillins, we now know that these proteins have an important role in sphingosine-1-phosphate signalling, and projected experiments will determine both the relevant mechanisms and links to regulation of endocytosis.



Selected Papers
- Cheng, J.P.X., Mendoza-Topaz, C., Howard, G., Chadwick, J., Shvets, E., Cowburn, A.S., Dunmore, B.J., Crosby, A.C., Morrell, N.W., and Nichols, B.J. (2015)
Caveolae protect endothelial cells from membrane rupture during increased cardiac output.
Journal of Cell Biology 211: 53-61 - Bitsikas, V., Correa, I. R., Jr. and Nichols, B. J. (2014)
Clathrin-independent pathways do not contribute significantly to endocytic flux.
eLife 3: e03970. - Ludwig, A., Howard, G., Mendoza-Topaz, C., Deerinck, T., Mackey, M., Sandin, S., Ellisman, M. H. and Nichols, B. J. (2013)
Molecular composition and ultrastructure of the caveolar coat complex
PLoS Biol 11: e1001640 - Hansen, C. G. and Nichols, B. J. (2010)
Exploring the caves: cavins, caveolins and caveolae.
Trends Cell Biol 20: 177-186. - Ludwig, A., Otto, G. P., Riento, K., Hams, E., Fallon, P. G. and Nichols, B. J. (2010)
Flotillin microdomains interact with the cortical cytoskeleton to control uropod formation and neutrophil recruitment.
J Cell Biol 191: 771-781.
Group Members
- Jessica Chadwick
- Tuula Eriksson
- Carolina Mendoza-Topaz
- Kirsi Riento
- Ivana Yeow