Int. J. Dev. Biol. 65: 143 - 152 (2021)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.200220jc

Vol 65, Issue 1-2-3

Special Issue: Developmental Biology in Ibero-America - Part 1

Cell fusion and fusogens - an interview with Benjamin Podbilewicz

Published: 26 August 2020

Jesús Chimal-Monroy*^,1 and Diana Escalante-Alcalde*^,2

¹Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas and ²División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México

Abstract

Cell fusion is a process in which cells unite their membranes and cytoplasm. It is fundamental for sexual reproduction and embryonic development. Among the best-known cell fusion processes during animal development are fertilization, myoblast fusion, osteoclast generation, and vulva formation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Although it is involved in many other functions in unicellular and multicellular organisms, little is known about the mechanisms of cell fusion and the genes that code for the proteins participating in this process. Benjamin Podbilewicz has dedicated many years to understanding the processes and mechanisms of cell fusion. In this interview, he spoke to us about how he began his studies of this process, his contributions to this exciting field, his scientific ties with Ibero-America and his strategies for a well-balanced scientific/personal life.

Keywords

cell fusion, fusogen, Caenorhabditis elegans