The actin cytoskeleton provides force for a large number of cellular processes, such as motility, morphogenesis, cell division, endocytosis, and phagocytosis. The organization and dynamics of actin filament must be precisely controlled during these processes, and consequently defects in regulation of the actin cytoskeleton lead to various diseases including cancer progression, as well as neurological and immunological disorders.
We use a wide range of biophysical, biochemical, cell biological, and genetic approaches to uncover the general principles underlying regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, and to reveal how defects in actin dynamics affect the physiological functions of cells.
We are affiliated to Cell and Tissue Dynamics and Biomolecular structure and function Research Programs.
Pekka Lappalainen, PhD, Professor
Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences &
Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE
Biocenter 2, room 5009
P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5D)
00014 University of Helsinki
Finland
Phone: +358 405941533
Email: pekka.lappalainen@helsinki.fi
Pekka is a Principal Investigator/Group Leader at BI and a Professor of Professor of Quantitative Cell Biology at Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences (Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme). He held a position of Academy Professor in 1.1.2019-31.12.2023, and is an elected EMBO member. At BI he is affiliated to Cell and Tissue Dynamics and Structural and Quantitative Biology Research Programs.