Manuel Théry is a renowned biophysicist leading innovative research on how cells organize their internal architecture, especially the cytoskeleton and polarity of stem cells. His work at CEA-Irig’s CytoMorphoLab blends physics and biology to unravel fundamental principles of life and aims to build the first artificial cell capable of polarization.
🕧 Friday 17/04/2026 11h30 at Amphi 12
🔬 From Morphogenesis to space partitioning by microtubules and motors
Abstract:
In cells, microtubules are well known for supporting the directed transport of vesicles during interphase and chromosomes during mitosis. However, they are not just tracks for transport; they can also be moved by the forces exerted by molecular motors.
In this presentation, I will demonstrate how the interplay between moving microtubules and transported motors can result in the emergence of regular shapes from random mixtures (ie morphogenesis). I will further explain how these shapes are maintained in dynamic steady-states by active and polar boundaries. I will also explore the plasticity and adaptation of these active boundaries to geometric constraints, as show how they can polarise or bipolarise a confined space. Finally, I will discuss the relevance of this process to intracellular organisation.
