"It started with a western": Antonella De Matteis on Nature Cell Biology "Turning Points"
Jan 23, 2024
In occasion of the 25th anniversary of @Nature Cell Biology, the editorial team included in the “Turning Points” section an incredible journey of scientific discovery led by Antonella De Matteis to learn how it influenced the phosphatidylinositides/Golgi trafficking in the past 20+ years. Her pioneering research in understanding the role of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) at the Golgi complex is truly remarkable!
The story of how they ventured into this research, starting with a simple experiment and the dedication of their first Ph.D. student, Anna Godi, is a testament to the power of curiosity and scientific exploration. The identification of ARF effectors at the Golgi, including βIΣ2 spectrin, and their role in recruiting proteins to this organelle sheds light on the intricacies of cellular processes.
The discovery of ARF's influence on PI levels at the Golgi and the subsequent identification of PI4KIIIβ as the key player in maintaining Golgi structure open up new avenues for understanding cellular biology. Moreover, the collaboration with Dario Alessi and the discovery of four-phosphate-adaptor proteins (FAPP1 and FAPP2) and their role in TGN-to-plasma membrane transport demonstrate the significance of basic research in uncovering fundamental cellular mechanisms.
The story doesn't end there, as the work continued with Giovanni D'Angelo's investigation of FAPP2, revealing the importance of glycosphingolipid synthesis and non-vesicular trafficking.
This research journey is a shining example of how scientific dedication, collaboration, and attention to detail can lead to groundbreaking discoveries that have a far-reaching impact on our understanding of cellular biology. Kudos to Maria Antonietta De Matteis and her team for their outstanding contributions to the field!
The story of how they ventured into this research, starting with a simple experiment and the dedication of their first Ph.D. student, Anna Godi, is a testament to the power of curiosity and scientific exploration. The identification of ARF effectors at the Golgi, including βIΣ2 spectrin, and their role in recruiting proteins to this organelle sheds light on the intricacies of cellular processes.
The discovery of ARF's influence on PI levels at the Golgi and the subsequent identification of PI4KIIIβ as the key player in maintaining Golgi structure open up new avenues for understanding cellular biology. Moreover, the collaboration with Dario Alessi and the discovery of four-phosphate-adaptor proteins (FAPP1 and FAPP2) and their role in TGN-to-plasma membrane transport demonstrate the significance of basic research in uncovering fundamental cellular mechanisms.
The story doesn't end there, as the work continued with Giovanni D'Angelo's investigation of FAPP2, revealing the importance of glycosphingolipid synthesis and non-vesicular trafficking.
This research journey is a shining example of how scientific dedication, collaboration, and attention to detail can lead to groundbreaking discoveries that have a far-reaching impact on our understanding of cellular biology.Kudos to Maria Antonietta De Matteis and her team for their outstanding contributions to the field!
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