Molecular Basis of Asymmetric Cell Divisions

Marina Mapelli
Group Leader
marina.mapelli@ieo.it | |
Telephone | +39-02-94375018 |
Location | Building 13 Floor 2nd Via Adamello 16, Milano |

The connection between deregulated stem cell divisions and tumorigenesis has been one of the most important findings of the last few decades. The notion that tumours could be initiated and maintained by their own stem cells emerged in the 1970s from genetic screens, and was later stregthened by the evidence that deregulated stem cells are a major cause of relapse and resistance to traditional anticancer therapies (Santoro, EMBO Rep. 2016).
- interplay between niche contacts and fate asymmetry, specifically for Wnt-dependent niches;
- studies of complexes coordinating oriented cell divisions;
- implications of asymmetric divisions in cancer development, with focus on intestinal cancers.
Most Relevant Publications
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Palmerini V, Monzani S, Laurichesse Q, Loudhaief R, Mari S, Cecatiello V, Olieric V, Pasqualato S, Colombani J, Andersen DS, Mapelli M
Drosophila TNFRs Grindelwald and Wengen bind Eiger with different affinities and promote distinct cellular functions.
Nat Commun, 2021
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Pirovano L, Culurgioni S, Carminati M, Alfieri A, Monzani S, Cecatiello V, Gaddoni C, Rizzelli F, Foadi J, Pasqualato S, Mapelli M
Hexameric NuMA:LGN structures promote multivalent interactions required for planar epithelial divisions.
Nat Comm, 2019
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Culurgioni S, Mari S, Bonetti P, Gallini S, Bonetto G, Brennich M, Round A, Nicassio F, Mapelli M
Insc:LGN tetramers promote asymmetric divisions of mammary stem cells.
Nat Commun, 2018
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Carminati M, Gallini S, Pirovano L, Alfieri A, Bisi S, Mapelli M
Concomitant binding of Afadin to LGN and F-actin directs planar spindle orientation.
Nat Struct Mol Biol, 2016