Rate My Professor Anne Straube

Straube's research investigates the molecular machines that organize microtubules and transport cargoes within cells, particularly the generation of specific microtubule arrays in polarized cells, dynamic interactions of microtubule tips with intracellular structures, and regulation of motor proteins such as dynein, KIF1C, and kinesin-3 family members. Her lab employs quantitative live-cell imaging and imaging-based biochemistry to study cargo-mediated activation of motors and their roles in cell polarity and migration. Key contributions include elucidating how PTPN21 and Hook3 relieve KIF1C autoinhibition (Nature Communications, 2019), force generation impairments in pathogenic KIF1C mutations (Current Biology, 2022), and KIF1C's activation of dynein via the FHF adaptor (Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, 2025). Earlier works cover EB3's role in myoblast fusion (Current Biology, 2007) and MAP4 in muscle differentiation (eLife, 2015). Her achievements are recognized by the Lister Institute Research Prize (2013), membership in the Lister Institute, and Wellcome Investigator Awards (2016 and 2022). With thousands of citations, her work significantly influences understanding of cytoskeletal dynamics and cellular motility.