Grace Branshaw

Abstract:

Precise coordination of cytoskeletal dynamics and compartmentalization is critical for successful eukaryotic cell division. Recent work has highlighted the role of liquid-liquid phase separation, LLPS, in organizing mitotic machinery, yet the potential involvement of RNA-binding proteins such as TAR DNA-binding protein 43, TDP-43, in this process remains unexplored. TDP-43, commonly associated with RNA processing and neurodegeneration, has been observed to form dynamic condensates under stress and interact with cytoskeletal components, suggesting a possible mitotic role. Using U2OS cells synchronized with cell cycle inhibitors, we perform immunofluorescence and SoRa spinning disk confocal imaging to visualize TDP-43, actin and microtubules. We analyze the localization, condensation pattern, and cytoskeletal interactions of TDP-43 throughout the cell cycle. This work aims to reveal novel regulatory functions for TDP-43 in mitosis, offering insight into both basic cell biology and the mechanisms by which its dysregulation may contribute to neurodegenerative disease.