Cell Biology Division

The Division aims to understand the biological organisation of cells and organisms, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their function. These fundamental questions are addressed using a wide range of model organisms including yeast, slime moulds, nematodes, flies and mice, as well as cell culture and in vitro techniques. Despite this breadth, there are important shared themes that encourage synergy between groups. All have an interest in mechanistic explanations at a cellular level, and common approaches include the use of advanced microscopy and genetic techniques. The Division is also keen to contribute to the translation of fundamental discoveries into clinical advances.

Group Leaders

• Simon Bullock - Mechanisms of mRNA localisation and cytoskeletal transport
• Mario de Bono - Genes, circuits and behaviour
• Emmanuel Derivery - Mechanisms of asymmetric trafficking
• Ramanujan Hegde - Membrane protein biosynthesis and quality control
• Rob Kay - How cells drink and move: macropinocytosis and chemotaxis
• Wanda Kukulski - Understanding membrane function, dynamics and architecture
• Madeline Lancaster - Human brain development in cerebral organoids
• Liz Miller - Protein transport and quality control in the secretory pathway
• Sean Munro - Small G proteins and the organisation of the Golgi apparatus
• Ben Nichols - Cell biology of the plasma membrane
• John O'Neill - Cellular rhythms, signalling and metabolic regulation
• Hugh Pelham - Membrane protein sorting
• Katja Röper - Regulation of cell shape by the cytoskeleton during tissue morphogenesis

Scientific Facilities within the Division

• Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics
• Light Microscopy

Emeritus Scientists

• John Kilmartin - Conserved mechanisms of mitosis in yeast and mammals
• Peter Lawrence - Pattern formation in development
• Andrew Travers - Chromatin folding and unfolding

Past Group Leaders

• Matthew Freeman - Moved to University of Oxford, October 2013
• Melina Schuh - Moved to the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, January 2016