The Flagellar Length Control System

By Wallace Marshall, UCSF

May 12, 2009

CNLS Conference room

The question of how cells control the size of organelles is a long standing puzzle in cell biology. We are investigating the mechanism that regulates the length of the eukaryotic cilium/flagellum because this organelle represents a simplified geometry in that its size can only vary in a single dimension - length. By investigating the dynamics of flagellar microtubules, we have developed a simple model in which length-independent turnover is balanced by an inherently length-dependent assembly process. We are testing this model using quantitative measurements and genetic analysis. We have recently extended our analysis to include fluctuations in length. We are now synthesizing a new integrated model that takes into account additional feedback control elements mediated by transcription and microtubule dynamics.

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