Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 01/10/2026In summary, we provide the first structural model for CM1 autoinhibition, a key mechanism that helps spatially regulate #microtubule nucleation. We also highlight key evolutionary differences in CM1 binding mechanisms. 010
Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 01/10/2026CAI is absent from human proteins, where a conserved SCC-LCC CM1 hairpin that blocks one of the key F residues is sufficient for autoinhibition. In contrast, this hairpin is necessary for CM1 binding in Drosophila Cnn, explaining the requirement for CAI domain-mediated autoinhibition. 101
Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 01/10/2026In this latest paper, we show that the CAI domain forms a 4-helix dimer that associates with the short coiled-coil (SCC) part of the CM1 domain (equivalent of g-TuNA in humans), blocking the otherwise exposed key phenylalanine (F115) residue required for g-TuRC binding. 100
Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 01/10/2026We previously showed that an upstream CM1 autoinhibition domain is required to prevent binding and activation of g-TuRCs by #Drosophila Centrosomin (Cnn) to avoid ectopic cytosolic #microtubule nucleation and major #cell and #developmental defects rupress.org/jcb/article/...rupress.orgAutoinhibition of Cnn binding to γ-TuRCs prevents ectopic microtubule nucleation and cell division defectsWe show that autoinhibition regulates the binding between microtubule nucleating complexes and proteins that tether them to sites of microtubule nucleation 100
Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Happy to see our latest work published in @jcb.org. Led by an excellent PhD student, Abir Elfarkouchi, and in collaboration with @francoizochsenbein.bsky.social and co-first author Arthur Vitard, we investigated the structural mechanism of CM1 domain autoinhibition rupress.org/jcb/article/...rupress.orgJournal of Cell Biology | Rockefeller University PressJournal of Cell Biology (JCB) publishes advances in any area of basic cell biology as well as applied cellular advances in fields such as immunology, neurobiology, metabolism, microbiology, developmen... 276
Reposted by Paul ConduitJournal of Cell Biology @jcb.org · 30/09/2026Abir Elfarkouchi, Arthur Vitard, @francoizochsenbein.bsky.social, @pconduit.bsky.social et al. reveal the first structural model for γ-TuRC CM1 domain autoinhibition, which prevents ectopic binding and activation of #microtubule-nucleating γ-tubulin ring complexes. rupress.org/jcb/article/... 058
Reposted by Paul ConduitNikos Konstantinides @nkonst4.bsky.social · 10/01/2026I am very happy (and a bit scared) to present to you what we have been working on over the last 4 years. This manuscript is exactly what I dreamt of when I started the lab and I could not be happier and prouder of the outcome! 2416265
Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 08/07/2026onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/SN4YJH... Happy to see our mini Review published as part of a Neuro Cytoskeleton collection. We discuss the #Golgi as a #microtubule generator and organiser in #neurons. A fun team effort with Akila Yagoubat, who is studying asymmetric nucleation from neuronal Golgi.onlinelibrary.wiley.comThe Golgi as a Microtubule Organiser in NeuronsReader environment loaded 073
Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 26/11/2025We are looking to hire a postdoc to work on the regulation of microtubule nucleation in neurons. See advert attached. Contact me by email for any extra info. 047
Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 03/03/2025haha, i paid with my time and feeling the pain of constructive criticism 030
Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 03/03/2025We propose that the plus ends of MTs nucleated by g-TuRCs at the cis-Golgi are stabilised by CLASP at the trans-Golgi such that MTs grow along the cis-to-trans Golgi axis and thus grow towards and into axons rather than dendrites. This mechanism therefore helps maintain MT polarity in neurons. 010
Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 03/03/2025Depleting CLASP or reducing the levels of g-TuRC at the Golgi perturb asymmetric microtubule nucleation towards the axon, causing more MT plus ends to grow towards and into dendrites (on the opposite side of the soma). This perturbs dendritic MT polarity, which is normally mainly minus-end-out. 100
Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 03/03/2025We show that specific Golgi stacks within the soma are oriented cis-to-trans towards the axon entry site and that these Golgi stacks nucleate MTs towards the axon. We find that MT nucleating g-TuRCs and MT plus-end stabilising CLASP localise to the cis- and trans- Golgi compartments respectively. 100
Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 03/03/2025In neurons, MTs in axons have their plus ends pointing away from the soma (plus-end-out) while many MTs in dendrites have their plus ends pointing towards the soma (minus-end-out). This differential polarity is important for correct cargo sorting, neurite identity, neuronal development and function 100
Paul Conduit @pconduit.bsky.social · 03/03/2025Very happy to announce that our new paper on how asymmetric #microtubule nucleation from Golgi is required for #microtubule #polarity in #neurons has been published online in @currentbiology.bsky.social. An amazing effort from postdoc Akila Yagoubat. authors.elsevier.com/a/1kiDc3QW8S... 46414
Reposted by Paul ConduitInstitut Jacques Monod @ijmonod.bsky.social · 17/01/2025#JobOffer 💼 Molecular biology and drosophila engineer (M/F) 📅 February, 17th 📍 Institut Jacques Monod / @pconduit.bsky.social's Lab Apply before February 6 ➡️ emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/U... #Biology #Engineeremploi.cnrs.fr Portail Emploi CNRS - Offre d'emploi - Ingénieur(e) en biologie moléculaire et drosophile (H/F) 045
Reposted by Paul ConduitChristophe 🔬 Leterrier @christlet.bsky.social · 12/01/2025Do you want to hear the latest and greatest about the neuronal cytoskeleton? Join us in Chile next April for #NeuroCyto2025, organized by @monicamsousa.bsky.social, Kassandra Ori-McKenney and Tomás Falzone! Registration is open until March 5: neurocytoskeleton.com/2025/ 37425
Reposted by Paul ConduitNicolas Minc @minclab.bsky.social · 03/01/2025Our lab has multiple open positions for post-docs to study the regulation and function of cytoplasm mechanics during embryo development. Details below 👇👇 Please Repost !!! @ijmonod.bsky.social @cnrs.bsky.social 06888
