J. Brugues

Robust cytoplasmic partitioning by solving an intrinsic cytoskeletal instability

The paper demonstrates how embryos use microtubule dynamics and temporal control to achieve robust cytoplasmic partitioning through two distinct strategies in zebrafish and Drosophila.

Topological morphogenesis of neuroepithelial organoids

This study shows that trans and cis epithelial fusion regulate tissue topology and shape in neuroepithelial organoids, and identifies a pharmacologically accessible pathway to control organoid topology.

Spatial Variation of Microtubule Depolymerization in Large Asters Suggests Regulation by MAP Depletion

The paper measures microtubule depolymerization rates in Xenopus egg extract asters and finds higher rates in the interior compared to the periphery, suggesting regulation by MAP depletion.

A gelation transition enables the self-organization of bipolar metaphase spindles

This study shows that a gelation transition enables bipolar metaphase spindles to self-organize through long-ranged microtubule transport and active stress propagation.

Spindle scaling is governed by cell boundary regulation of microtubule nucleation

The paper shows that microtubule nucleation, not polymerization, governs spindle scaling across all cell sizes by regulating nucleation inhibitor partitioning to the cell membrane.

Label-free composition determination for biomolecular condensates with an arbitrarily large number of components

This paper introduces a label-free method to measure the composition of biomolecular condensates with many components, showing it can capture complex dynamics and stoichiometry without perturbing the system.

Force generation by protein-DNA co-condensation

The paper shows DNA condensation mediated by transcription factors generates forces that bring distant DNA regions together, suggesting a physical mechanism for chromatin organization.

Active force generation shapes the metaphase spindle through a mechanical instability

The paper shows that active force generation through molecular motors shapes the metaphase spindle via a mechanical instability, influenced by surface tension and nematic elasticity.

Cohesin and condensin extrude loops in a cell-cycle dependent manner

This study shows that cohesin and condensin extrude distinct types of loops in interphase and metaphase, respectively, revealing cell-cycle dependent loop extrusion dynamics.

Male meiotic spindle features that efficiently segregate paired and lagging chromosomes

The paper identifies mechanisms in C. elegans male meiosis that enable efficient segregation of paired and lagging chromosomes during anaphase.

ZapA stabilizes FtsZ filament bundles without slowing down treadmilling dynamics

This study shows ZapA stabilizes FtsZ filament bundles in vitro without affecting treadmilling speed, explaining how Z-ring architecture is maintained.

Soluble tubulin is locally enriched at mitotic centrosomes in C. elegans

The paper measures tubulin concentrations at mitotic centrosomes in C. elegans embryos, showing localized enrichment of soluble β-tubulin.

Dynamic, non-contact 3D sample rotation for microscopy

This paper introduces a method for dynamically rotating 3D samples using magnetic fields for improved in vivo microscopy imaging in zebrafish.

Autocatalytic microtubule nucleation determines the size and mass of spindles

The paper investigates spindle size regulation by showing that autocatalytic microtubule nucleation, spatially regulated by nucleator availability, determines spindle size and mass.

C. elegans chromosomes connect to centrosomes by anchoring into the spindle network

This study reveals that C. elegans centrosomes connect to chromosomes via the spindle network rather than direct microtubule connections.