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Vitaly L Zimyanin

Vitaly L Zimyanin

Research Assistant Professor, Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics

Primary Location
PO Box 400328
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Primary Phone Number

Bio & Overview

We are using multi-scale approaches to understand mechanisms of how mitotic and meiotic spindles are assembled and function to segregate chromosomes in various model systems. Failure of these processes are one of the underlying reasons that lead to aneuploidy, cancer development, as well as early pregnancy loss and infertility. Our aim is to understand the key molecular and mechanical principles and mechanisms of spindle assembly and chromosome segregation in meiosis and mitosis. We address this by using a combination of cutting-edge imaging technologies, such as large-scale 3D electron tomography and spinning disc live-cell microscopy, as well CRISPR and other genetic tools in tissue culture cells, mouse Oocytes and C. elegans embryos. We also have ongoing projects that use human-derived stem cells, imaging and transcriptomic approaches to look at the role of endosomal trafficking, cell polarity and metabolism in the origin and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and TBCK syndrome.

Academic Information

Department
Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics

Research Interests

Looking to uncover and understand the underlying principles of spindle assembly on a nano-scale level. Understanding the role of cell polarity, endosomal trafficking and metabolism in organism development and neurodegenerative disease.

Research Disciplines

  • Biology
  • Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology
  • Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics
  • Molecular and Cellular Physiology

Selected Publications

2023

Chen, Y. -Z., Zimyanin, V., & Redemann, S. (2023). Loss of the mitochondrial protein SPD-3 elevates PLK-1 levels and dysregulates mitotic events. LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE, 6(11). doi:10.26508/lsa.202302011

Zimyanin, V. L., Pielka, A. -M., Glass, H., Japtok, J., Grossmann, D., Martin, M., . . . Hermann, A. (2023). Live Cell Imaging of ATP Levels Reveals Metabolic Compartmentalization within Motoneurons and Early Metabolic Changes in FUS ALS Motoneurons. CELLS, 12(10). doi:10.3390/cells12101352

Chen, Y. -Z., Zimyanin, V., & Redemann, S. (2023). Mitotic events depend on regulation of PLK-1 levels by the mitochondrial protein SPD-3. doi:10.1101/2023.01.11.523633

2022

Mauro, M. S., Celma, G., Zimyanin, V., Magaj, M. M., Gibson, K. H., Redemann, S., & Bahmanyar, S. (2022). Ndc1 drives nuclear pore complex assembly independent of membrane biogenesis to promote nuclear formation and growth. ELIFE, 11. doi:10.7554/eLife.75513

Guenther, R., Pal, A., Williams, C., Zimyanin, V. L., Liehr, M., von Neubeck, C., . . . Hermann, A. (2022). Alteration of Mitochondrial Integrity as Upstream Event in the Pathophysiology of SOD1-ALS. CELLS, 11(7). doi:10.3390/cells11071246

2021

Doerflinger, H., Zimyanin, V., & St Johnston, D. (2022). The Drosophila anterior-posterior axis is polarized by asymmetric myosin activation. CURRENT BIOLOGY, 32(2), 374-+. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2021.11.024

Lantzsch, I., Yu, C. -H., Chen, Y. -Z., Zimyanin, V., Yazdkhasti, H., Lindow, N., . . . Redemann, S. (2021). Microtubule reorganization during female meiosis in C. elegans. ELIFE, 10. doi:10.7554/eLife.58903

Freischmidt, A., Goswami, A., Limm, K., Zimyanin, V. L., Demestre, M., Glass, H., . . . Weishaupt, J. H. (2021). A serum microRNA sequence reveals fragile X protein pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BRAIN, 144, 1214-1229. doi:10.1093/brain/awab018

2018

Braeuer, S., Zimyanin, V., & Hermann, A. (2018). Prion-like properties of disease-relevant proteins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION, 125(4), 591-613. doi:10.1007/s00702-018-1851-y

2008

Zimyanin, V. L., Belaya, K., Pecreaux, J., Gilchrist, M. J., Clark, A., Davis, I., & St Johnston, D. (2008). In vivo Imaging of oskar mRNA transport reveals the mechanism of posterior localization. CELL, 134(5), 843-853. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2008.06.053

2007

Zimyanin, V., Lowe, N., & St Johnston, D. (2007). An oskar-dependent positive feedback loop maintains the polarity of the Drosophila oocyte. CURRENT BIOLOGY, 17(4), 353-359. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2006.12.044

2006

Witzel, S., Zimyanin, V., Carreira-Barbosa, F., Tada, M., & Heisenberg, C. -P. (2006). Wnt11 controls cell contact persistence by local accumulation of Frizzled 7 at the plasma membrane. JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY, 175(5), 791-802. doi:10.1083/jcb.200606017

2001

Wilkie, G. S., Zimyanin, V., Kirby, R., Korey, C., Francis-Lang, H., Van Vactor, D., & Davis, I. (2001). Small bristles, the Drosophila ortholog of NXF-1, is essential for mRNA export throughout development. RNA, 7(12), 1781-1792. Retrieved from https://www.webofscience.com/