Research Expertise and Interest

glial function, cell biology

Research Description

Meng-meng Fu is an assistant professor in the Department of Integrative Biology.  Her research and lab goals are to understand glial function at the animal, cell, and molecular level in order to elucidate mechanisms of normal development and disease progression.

The main research focus includes:

• The role of Golgi outposts in acentrosomal microtubule nucleation in oligodendrocytes.  Her lab is investigating partner proteins that work in concert with the microtubule nucleator TPPP to organize microtubules. In addition, they are making important observations on the biophysical properties of TPPP and how this can lead to aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases.
   
• Mechanisms of mRNA transport in oligodendrocytes. Her lab is using mouse models to understand the importance of mRNA transport in in vivo myelination. They are also using biochemical and biophysical techniques to identify the molecular players involved in these transport processes.