Teachers

Shaping life from within: decoding how lipids and membranes sculpt cell polarity

Singh, PrernaAssistant Professor

Cell Structure and Function
Field
Cell polarity, Cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, chemical biology
Theme
We study how lipid asymmetry and endoplasmic reticulum remodeling coordinate cell polarity, signaling, and development in plants. Our work explores how dynamic membrane systems generate spatial organization and drive morphogenesis from single cells to complex tissues.
Keyword
Cell polarity
Cytoskeleton-membrane coordination
Chemical biology
Lipid asymmetry
Plant morphogenesis
Physcomitrium patens

Our research investigates how lipid flippases and ER architecture establish polarity and communication in plant cells. Using Physcomitrium patens as a model, we combine live-cell imaging, genetic manipulation, and biochemical reconstitution to uncover how lipid asymmetry and ER dynamics shape ROP nanodomain formation, cytoskeletal organization and developmental patterning. Ultimately, we aim to link molecular membrane remodeling to the emergence of cell polarity and multicellular coordination in plants.

Figure 1: Loss of polar ROP gradient and actin organization upon chemical inhibition.
Figure 2: CC domain–driven ER remodeling defects cause morphological abnormalities in moss.

Message

Cells are not static—they sculpt themselves from within. By exploring how lipids and membranes generate order, we uncover the physical logic behind life’s asymmetry. Join us if you’re curious about how molecules find direction, how cells build shape, and how simplicity gives rise to complexity.

References

  • Singh P, Jinno C, Zong H, Fujita T (2025) Asymmetry in the bryophyte Physcomitrium patens. Curr Opin Plant Biol doi:10.1016/j.pbi.2025.102760
  • Singh P, Kadofusa N, Sato A, Naramoto S, Fujita T (2025) Novel small molecules disrupting polarized cell expansion and development in the moss Physcomitrium patens. Plant Biotechnol doi:10.5511/plantbiotechnology.25.0209a
Faculty

Faculty of Science
Department of Biological Sciences
Cell Structure and Function

Grad School

Graduate School of Life Science
Division of Life Science
Biosystems Science Course

Contact Information

Faculty of Science, Building #5 5-602
Email: prerna.ps [atmark] sci.hokudai.ac.jp

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