The Basant Lab is interested in the cell biology of a family of enzymes called tyrosine phosphatases. We use different model systems and experimental approaches to understand their function, in particular how they regulate the actin cytoskeleton. Tyrosine phosphorylation of signalling proteins controls essential actin-dependent processes including migration, adhesion, and communication. Several pathogens also hijack these pathways to promote their own spread. We study tyrosine phosphatases in Vaccinia virus-infected cells. We also use the genetic model system C. elegans to understand these enzymes in an organismal context.