Research

The morphology of rod shaped bacteria is achieved through two very dynamic synthetic complexes: the elongasome and the divisome. The elongasomes are recruited by the actin-like cytoskeleton MreB protein underneath the plasma membrane and move in an helical path to insert new peptidoglycan subunits to elongate the cell envelope whereas the divisome is responsible for division and the synthesis of new cell poles. Cell division is directed by the FtsZ ring (a tubulin homolog) that exerts a small force on the bacterial envelope. The assembly and the dynamics of the elongasome and divisome are studied in vivo using immunofluorescence and fluorescence microscopy techniques (FRET, FLIM, FRAP, immunolocalization) and in vitro using state of the art biochemical and biophysical techniques. By aiming to obtain quantitative data on number of proteins, their affinities for each other or their substrates and their localization as function of the bacterial division cycle, we hope to model themeasuredand observed interactions.

Figure 1. A. Schematic presentation of the timing of cell division cycle event. B. Many proteins are involved in cell division and are collectively termed the divisome. About 50 synthetic complexes (green spheres) are recruited by the FtsZ ring (orange ring). While the ring constrict the synthetic complexes synthesize the new cell poles and split the  envelope between the two daughter cells simultaneously. C. MreB polymers underneath the cytoplasmic membrane recruit the synthetic complexes  (elongasomes) involved in length growth.

CV

• 2012 Associate professor at the University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Sciences, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, section Bacterial cell Biology.
• 2011 Associate professor at the University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Sciences, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, section Molecular Cytology.
• 2006-2011 Assistant professor at the University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Sciences, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, section Molecular Cytology.
• 2001-2006 Postdoc (NWO grant VIDI) at the University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Sciences, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, section Molecular Cytology.
• 2000-2002 Program coordinator at the University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Sciences, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences.
• 1997-2000 Postdoc at the Molecular Cytology group at the Biology Department of the University of Amsterdam (Grant provided by the forth framework program of the European Community).
• 1993-1997 Postdoc at the Biology Department of the University of Groningen at the Molecular Microbiology group and associated with the GBB (Groningen Biotechnology and Bioengineering) school of Sciences, (grant provided by NWO pioneer project "protein translocation").
• 1992-1993 Postdoc at the Mol. Cytol. group at the Biology Department of the University of Amsterdam (Grant provided by the University of Amsterdam).
• 1991 Work visit at the Oregon Graduate Institute for Science and Technology, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
• 1989-1992 Postdoc at the Chemistry Department of the Leiden University (grant provided by the Department of Economic affairs/STW).
• 1985-1988 Ph.D at the Biology Department of the University of, Amsterdam (grant provided by NWO/BION).

• No ancillary activities