Professor Gero Steinberg

About me:

I am a molecular cell biologist interested in the dynamic behaviour of eukaryotic cells, with emphasis on filamentous fungi. My research focuses on the cytoskeleton and associated motor proteins. We recently discovered unexpected interaction and cooperation between motor proteins and have shown that motor activity is determined by a combination of stochastic behaviour, deterministic control of motors and the organization of the underlying microtubule array. Our goal is to find a fundamental rule for motor activity that underlies the organization and function of the fungal cell.

I am the leader of the Cell Biology research group.

The lab is interested in the molecular basis and cellular role of cytoskeleton-based dynamics. We make use of the fungal model system U. maydis. This pathogenic basidiomycete switches between a yeast-like and hyphal stage and is able to infect maize plants. It combines technical advantages (molecular genetics, published genome, excellent live cell imaging) with biological similarities to animal cells on both genomic and functional levels. This enables us to address important cellular processes relevant for higher eukaryotes that cannot be addressed in other fungal model organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Schizosaccaromyces pombe. Moreover, U. maydis is an important plant pathogen that causes smut disease on corn. Thus, our work aims to answer fundamental cell biology questions, but also provides important insights into the basis of fungal plant pathogenicity.

During recent years we have focused our work on 5 research topics that are partially overlapping.

Research Topic A - Microtubule organisation and interphase function

Microtubules serve as tracks for intracellular motility. This topic focuses on the mechanism by which the interphase microtubule array gets organized. Furthermore, some work addresses the role of the cytoskeleton, and in particular of the prominent microtubule array.

Research Topic B - Molecular motors in hyphal growth and pathogenicity of U. maydis

We have identified and cloned most motors in U. maydis. This research topic addresses their function and role in fungal growth and pathogenicity.

Research Topic C - Endocytosis and early endosome motility

We discovered that hyphal growth and pathogenicity of U. maydis requires endocytosis, which involves rapidly moving early endosomes. Their biological function, as well as the molecular basis of early endosome motility is the focus of this research area.

Research Topic D - Open fungal mitosis

The removal of the nuclear envelope in mitosis is characteristic for mammalian cells, whereas fungi are thought to form the mitotic spindle within the closed nuclear envelope. However, U. maydis removes the envelope in mitosis and this research topic addresses the mechanism and dynamics of this 'open fungal mitosis'.

Research Topic E - U. maydis, a model for cell biology

This is a new project that aims to make use of U. maydis to address the function of conserved hypothetical proteins that are not present in other fungal model systems.

1991-1995 PhD Cell Biology, University of Munich, Germany
1984-1991 Diploma in Biology, Technical University Darmstadt and University Kiel, Germany

2008 Honorary Professor, Peninsula School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Exeter, UK
2007-present Director of Bioimaging Facility, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, UK
2007-present Professor of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter, UK
2006-present Honorary Professor, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Germany
2001-2007 Head of a research group at the Max-Planck-Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
2001 Habilitation in Genetics and Cell Biology at University of Munich, Germany
1997-2000 Hochschulassistent (=Assistant Professor) at the Department of Genetics and Microbiology of the University of Munich, Germany
1996-1997 Postdoctoral Research Fellow with J.R. McIntosh, University of Colorado, Co, USA
1995-1996 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Munich, Germany
1991-1995 PhD in Cell Biology (supervised by Manfred Schliwa), University of Munich, Germany
1984-1991 Diploma in Biology, Technical University Darmstadt and University Kiel, Germany