Randall Winter Lecture: Laura Machesky - Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge. Wednesday 18th November 2026. 14:00pm - 15:00pm. NHH LT2. In-Person Only.

 

Please join us for the exciting Randall Winter Lecture talk from external speaker Laura Machesky. Details of the lecture can be seen below:

 

Speaker: Laura Machesky, Department of Biochemistry. University of Cambridge.

 

Host: Prof. Peter Bieling

 

Title: Mechanosensing and actin dynamics drive feedback loops in cancer cell migration and invasion

 

Abstract: Tumour aggressiveness often correlates with the accumulation of a stiff, collagen-rich extracellular matrix. Mechanosensing can amplify this process through positive feedback loops that promote cell motility, invasion and further matrix deposition. Understanding these loops requires insight into how cells adapt their cytoskeleton to mechanical cues. I will describe mechanical feedback operating at two different scales to control motility decisions in cancer cells. First, we find that cells adjust their cytoskeletal stiffness to match their environment, depending on epithelial–mesenchymal status and the coupling of the nuclear actin cap to adhesion and contractile machinery. Second, we find evidence that lamellipodia generate feedback through membrane and cortical tension, regulating protrusion–retraction cycles and cell behaviours including spreading and the balance between lamellipodial extension and macropinocytosis.