Edgar Gomes Lab
Cell Architecture
Group leader
Edgar Gomes
Cell Architecture
Eukaryotic cells exhibit complex architectures defined by the spatial organization and connections between organelles. Our research investigates the mechanisms underlying organelle positioning and dynamics, particularly focusing on the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane, within the context of skeletal muscle fibers. The cytoskeleton, encompassing actin, microtubule, and intermediate filament networks, plays a central role in these processes. We employ time-lapse fluorescence microscopy, biochemical analyses, mouse genetics, and human organoids to elucidate how organelle organization and connections contribute to cellular functions and how their disruptions leads to different muscle disorders. We aim to define the fundamental principles governing cell architecture and their implications for muscle function and disease.
Funders
- Mechanisms of nuclear positioning in skeletal muscle formation: nuclear positioning is critical for skeletal muscle function, and its disruption is implicated in various pathologies. We investigate the molecular mechanisms governing nuclear positioning and its impact on cell function.
- Dynamics of plasma membrane-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites. Plasma membrane
Plasma membrane T-tubules are essential for efficient excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle. We study the dynamics of T-tubules to elucidate their role in muscle function.
- Defining the role of Arp2/3 complex diversity in skeletal muscle development.
The Arp2/3 complex, a key actin nucleator, exhibits isoform-specific activities. We are investigating the molecular, cellular, and physiological roles of Arp2/3 isoforms in skeletal muscle development.
Investigate the role of microtubule nucleation from the nuclear envelope in skeletal muscle differentiation:
We explore the mechanism and functional significance of microtubule nucleation from the nuclear envelope in skeletal muscle differentiation, a process distinct from centrosomal nucleation.
Development of Cell-on-a-chip models for centronuclear myopathies and neuromuscular disorders:
- We have developed a novel muscle-on-a-chip model, featuring differentiated myofibers with peripheral nuclei and transverse triads, enabling the study of centronuclear myopathies and other neuromuscular disorders. This model has already revealed a key molecular pathway controlling nuclear positioning. Our goal is to utilize this platform to define phenotypic alterations in disease contexts.
2024-2027 Horizon Europe Hop-On MAGIC: Next-generation models and genetic therapies for rare neuromuscular diseases. Coordinator: Edgar Gomes. Funding Agency: European Commission.
2023-2025 ERC Proof of Concept: Human skeletal muscle platform for disease modelling and high-throughput drug screening. Coordinator Edgar Gomes. Funding Agency: European Commission.
2019-2025 ERC Synergy. ArpComplexity: Defining the role of Arp2/3 complex diversity at multiple scales of biology. Coordinator: Edgar Gomes. Funding Agency: European Commission.
2018-2022 FET OPEN Myochip: Building a 3D innervated and irrigated muscle on a chip
2018-2021 FCT: Posicionamento do núcleo das células musculares esqueléticas.
2018-2020 AFM-Telethon
2016-2019 Coordinator of H2020-TWINN-2015 Cancer Biology consortium
2016-2018 ERC proof of concept Grant
2014-2019 ERC Consolidator Grant
2014-2019 EMBO Installation Grant
2014-2019 Investigador FCT
2014-2019 EMBO Installation Grant
2023 ERC synergy
2022 Prémio Científico Universidade de Lisboa/CGD 2021 – Ciências Biomédicas
2022 Nikon fellow, Whitman Center, Marine Biological Laboratory, USA
2013 ERC Consolidator
http://ibioseminars.org/
On the Verge of Discovery