How do lysosomes control cell growth and metabolism?

Cells constantly monitor nutrients and energy levels to decide whether to grow, divide or recycle their contents. A major control point for this decision-making occurs at the lysosome, where large protein complexes sense nutrient availability and regulate mTORC1, a master pathway controlling cell growth, autophagy and metabolism. When this system is disrupted, it can contribute to cancer, metabolic disease and other disorders. This project will investigate how lysosome-associated signalling complexes assemble and control mTORC1 activity. Students will contribute to a broader research program using structural biology, cryo-EM, protein biochemistry, mass spectrometry, computational modelling and live-cell biosensors to understand how these molecular machines work. Depending on the project stage, an Honours or PhD student could focus on protein complex purification, cryo-EM sample preparation, structural analysis, biochemical reconstitution, or the development and testing of biosensors that report signalling activity in living cells. The project is suited to students interested in structural biology, cell signalling, metabolism and molecular mechanisms of disease.