Pathway Journey
My PhD project was focused around better understanding the contribution of Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) machinery to nuclear envelope homeostasis. In my PhD research I have explored two poorly characterised ESCRT‐III binding partners. I worked with colleagues to show one of these binding partners; BROX regulates the mechanical properties of the nuclear envelope by binding and ubiquitinating Nesprin-2G, a main component of the LINC complex. This interaction results in changes in Nesprin-2G levels and the release of cytoskeleton-mediated compressive forces on the nuclear surface.
Biography
I graduated from King’s College London with a BSc in Biochemistry. During my undergraduate degree I had undertaken and an extramural year as a Forensic Analyst, which allowed me to decide to pursue a PhD in research.
I chose the MRC DTP because of the workshops and training opportunities the course provides. I thought progressing to a PhD with only a BSc would be very challenging, however the various workshops the MRC DTP offers really aided my transition into PhD level research. Additionally, the MRC DTP holds many events throughout the year allowing for networking opportunities, which is great as PhD research can be quite isolating at times.
During my doctoral training with the MRC DTP I got involved with not only supervising undergraduate students, but also taking part in volunteering in outreach programmes. The most memorable was becoming an In2science mentor where I got the chance to supervise students and workshops to provide insight to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, to encourage and empower them to pursue careers into STEM research and boost their skills and confidence in going to University. I found this experience to be very rewarding.
Publications
The ESCRT machinery counteracts Nesprin-2G-mediated mechanical forces during nuclear
envelope repair Wallis, S. S., Ventimiglia, L. N., Otigbah, E., Infante, E., Cuesta-Geijo, M. A., Kidiyoor, G. R., Carbajal, M.
A., Fleck, R. A., Foiani, M., Garcia-Manyes, S., Martin-Serrano, J. & Agromayor, M., 6 Dec 2021, In: Developmental Cell. 56, 23, p. 3192-3202.e8 Journal: Developmental Cell DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2021.10.022
Awards
King’s College London MRC Flexible Supplement Fund 2018 and 2021: Awarded for to help fund
High cost training and exceptional training opportunities
Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation Scholarship: Awarded a Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation Scholarship to carrying out lab placement