Aaron J Farrugia

Science. Travel. Food. Politics. In no particular order. Research Fellow @mbisg VMO

[Aaron J Farrugia @aaronjfarr]

How do cells recognize matrix topography? In this preprint we show that α5β1-integrin fibrillar adhesions rapidly form in response to topographic cues like electrospun nanofibers- no actomyosin contractility, focal adhesions or fibronectin secretion needed https://t.co/QTIaeGm9US

[Mechanobiology Institute @MBIsg]

Our first talk from @MBIsg – @AlexanderBersh1 presented work by @aaronjfarr combining beautiful live imaging and theoretical modelling showing how fibronectin fibrillar adhesions decode matrix topography. It's not just about focal adhesions in mechanosensing! #MBIMPG2025

[Aaron J Farrugia @aaronjfarr]

🚨Two exciting opportunities available at the Mechanobiology Instutute @MBIsg in Singapore 🇸🇬
We’re studying how the cytoskeleton interacts with 🧫 integrin adhesions and 🧬 the nucleus
Please share or get in touch! 🔬🌏

[Alexander Bershadsky @AlexanderBersh1]

Two postdoc positions open:

https://t.co/52VaOOOlwL

https://t.co/cNwL5HuFrg

[Andrew Holle @ahcells]

Just a few days to submit for the Sep 9-12 @MBIsg conference! Cool feature this year- a #HawkerCentre night with speakers and ECRs. Imagine enjoying Char Kway Teow & chatting #microtubules with someone like Sasha Bershadsky! Register here: https://t.co/VDllpECQqH

[Aaron J Farrugia @aaronjfarr]

@RadioGenoa Trump

[Aaron J Farrugia @aaronjfarr]

@SamStehbens @robertr33 @arc_gov_au @drDJVDavid @NatureCellBio Big congratulations Sam and Team! 🍾 Beautiful work!

[Aaron J Farrugia @aaronjfarr]

@ActonLab @CRUKresearch @ERC_Research @wellcometrust @LMCB_UCL @UCLLifeSciences @hlhorsnell2 @lotte_dewinde @S_Makris @MillwardLindsey @eriksahailab @yuktihari @ReiseSousaLab @TurleyLabGNE @christabenji Amazing news!! Congratulations Professor Acton! 🍾

[Aaron J Farrugia @aaronjfarr]

@calvo_lab … also makes me feel very old 😅

[Aaron J Farrugia @aaronjfarr]

@calvo_lab Awesome! Happy Birthday Calvo lab🥳 what a milestone!! Honoured to be have been a part of the team 🥲

[The Nobel Prize @NobelPrize]

“Ten years ago I was kicked out and forced to retire.”

Our new medicine laureate Katalin Karikó (@kkariko) told us how much it means to be awarded the Nobel Prize after a scientific career that has been full of challenges.

Ten years ago, Karikó was still doing all her experiments by hand but today she has been awarded the medicine prize for her research on mRNA, which led to the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

Listen now:

[Mechanobiology Institute @MBIsg]

But the story is different for another type of integrin adhesions, fibrillar adhesions. @aaronjfarr
from @AlexanderBersh1's lab revealed how they are controlled by myosin II filaments and are highly sensitive to membrane tension and topography 🌁

[Mechanobiology Institute @MBIsg]

@AlexanderBersh1 of @MBIsg described the interplay between focal adhesions, actomyosin cytoskeleton and microtubule network, as well as the important role of KANK protein coupling these components. Microtubules associating with the FAs induce sliding, then disassembly 🛝

[Renaud Poincloux @RenaudPoincloux]

We are super happy to announce that our article on the generation of nanoscale protrusion forces by actin networks is now available @NatureComms
https://t.co/b1CdaKR8Se
🥳👇

[Amro Hussien @Amro_Hussien]

PIEZO1 potentiates physical performance

#Tendon-specific R2482H Piezo1 mice (GOF) had higher jumping abilities and faster running speeds than WT.

Piezo1 enhances tendon anabolism & mechanics by regulating Mkx & Scx expression via NFATCs. #Mechanobiology

https://t.co/xWgti9KW9G

[Mechanobiology Institute @MBIsg]

#Hiring new faculty at all levels!

Seeking #PI candidates dedicated to multidisciplinary research on development, aging and repair. Successful ones will hold a joint-appointment as a Prof. / Assoc. Prof. / Asst. Prof. at a suitable department @NUSingapore.

📧 [email protected]

[Alex Ritter, PhD @AlexRitterPhD]

Killer T cells are beautiful! This high resolution/rapid acquisition video of a T cell attacking a lymphoma cancer cell was captured on a specialized Lattice Light Sheet microscope with the help of my wonderful collaborators @HHMIJanelia. See more details in the thread below.

[Mechanobiology Institute @MBIsg]

Great feature on cell chirality featuring the work of Yee Han Tee from the lab of Alexander Bershadsky! Keep an eye out for a sessions on chirality and symmetry breaking at @2022Wcb later this year too.

[Scottish Microscopy Society @scotmicro]

And finally, the Judges Choice Winner! Invading Cancer Cells by @JamieWhitelaw5. Prize sponsored by @focalplane_jcs. #SNS2021SULSA

[Steph Vassilopoulos @Biosdfp]

📣Don't miss Sasha Bershadsky @AlexanderBersh1 talking on the interplay between actin, integrin adhesions and microtubules next monday (22/11)

[Hyser Lab @HyserLab]

I never get tired of watching #rotavirus #calciumsignaling in action. 🌊🌊🌊
Cool things to look for:
1) Ca2+ waves are cooperative?🤯 Watch the 2 cells in the upper right at ~70 min.
2) A cell 'waves' goodbye! 👋💥Watch for the Super-duper cell death Ca2+ wave at ~100 min.