Short introduction Molecular Cytology

Group leader: Prof. dr. T.W.J. (Dorus) Gadella

Molecular Cytology is the study of the dynamic architecture of living cells. Our central theme is 'Self-organisation and signaling in living cells'. Self-organisation is the intrinsic property of matter to organise itself in a (dynamic) structure, whereas signaling implies the activity of gene-products to control a local activity which can alter the local cellular architecture (e.g. driving morphogenesis). In order to achieve a certain 3D architecture in cells, these two important mechanisms work in concert. At Molecular Cytology both mechanisms are studied with emphasis on membrane-related architecture of living cells using advanced microscopy tools.