College of Sciences staff by location (campus)

Dr Matthew Savoian staff profile picture

Contact details +6469517714

Dr Matthew Savoian BSc, PhD

Senior Lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology

Doctoral Supervisor
School of Food Technology and Natural Sciences

Director - Manawatu Microscopy and Imaging Centre (MMIC)

Manawatu Microscopy and Imaging Centre

I am Director of the MMIC, Massey's imaging facility and a Senior Lecturer in Cell Biology. My laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular basis of male fertility. Specifically we focus on two fundamental processes, how chromosomes are accurately segregated during meiosis and the cellular events underlying sperm development. To investigate these we employ the Drosophila melanogaster fruit flymodel system and a multidisciplinary approach that combines quantitative live and fixed cell cell microscopy with molecular genetics and additional complementary imaging and analytical techniques.

Professional

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science - University of California (1996)
  • Doctor of Philosophy - State University of New York (2001)

Certifications and Registrations

  • Licence, Supervisor, Massey University

Prizes and Awards

  • Centrosomes control cell division for sperm formation - Palmerston North Medical Research Foundation (2019)
  • Meiotic kinetochore composition and function - Palmerston North Medical Research Foundation (2019)
  • Research funding awarded to M.S. Savoian for work entitled "Defining how chromosomes move to make genetically stable sperm" - Massey University (2014)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

cell division, mitosis, meoisis, karyokinesis, cytokinesis, sperm development, cytoskeleton, kinesin, kinetochore, spindle, nucleoporin

Thematics

Health and Well-being

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Biochemistry and Cell Biology (060100): Biological Sciences (060000): Cell and Nuclear Division (060402): Cell Development, Proliferation and Death (060103): Genetics (060400): Proteomics and Intermolecular Interactions (excl. Medical Proteomics) (060109)

Keywords

cytoskeleton, microtubule, motor protein, kinesin, mitosis, meiosis, spermatogenesis,flagellum,  spindle, kinetochore, chromosome, microscopy, cell division, drosophila, aneuploidy, fertility, sterility, gamete, sperm, primary culture, spermatocyte, neuroblast, imaging, live-cell imaging, centromere, chromatin, microtubule associated protein, proteomics, genetics, segregation, cell biology, karyokinesis, cytokinesis, male fertility

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 0 5

Completed Projects

Project Title: Building a Better Sperm: Deciphering the Role of Megator in Spermatognesis

Date Range: 2022 - 2022

Funding Body: Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Thomas, A., Gallaud, E., Pascal, A., Serre, L., Arnal, I., Richard-Parpaillon, L., . . . Giet, R. (2021). Peripheral astral microtubules ensure asymmetric furrow positioning in neural stem cells. Cell Reports. 37(4)
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Noorifar, N., Savoian, MS., Ram, A., Lukito, Y., Hassing, B., Weikert, TW., . . . Scott, B. (2021). Chitin deacetylases are required for Epichloe<sup>€</sup> festucae endophytic cell wall remodeling during establishment of a mutualistic symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions. 34(10)
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Bloomfield, S., Wilkinson, D., Rogers, L., Biggs, P., French, N., Mohan, V., . . . Midwinter, A. (2020). Campylobacter novaezeelandiae sp. nov., isolated from birds and water in New Zealand. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 70(6), 3775-3784
[Journal article]Authored by: Biggs, P., French, N., Midwinter, A., Savoian, M.
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Hassing, B., Eaton, CJ., Winter, D., Green, KA., Brandt, U., Savoian, MS., . . . Scott, B. (2020). Phosphatidic acid produced by phospholipase D is required for hyphal cell-cell fusion and fungal-plant symbiosis. Molecular Microbiology. 113(6), 1101-1121
[Journal article]Authored by: Mesarich, C., Savoian, M.
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Green, KA., Eaton, CJ., Savoian, MS., & Scott, B. (2019). A homologue of the fungal tetraspanin Pls1 is required for Epichloë festucae expressorium formation and establishment of a mutualistic interaction with Lolium perenne. Molecular Plant Pathology. 20(7), 961-975
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Wheeler, NE., Blackmore, T., Reynolds, AD., Midwinter, AC., Marshall, J., French, NP., . . . Biggs, PJ. (2019). Genomic correlates of extraintestinal infection are linked with changes in cell morphology in Campylobacter jejuni. Microbial Genomics. 5(2)
[Journal article]Authored by: Biggs, P., French, N., Marshall, J., Midwinter, A., Savoian, M.
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Scott, I., Umair, S., Savoian, MS., & Simpson, HV. (2017). Abomasal dysfunction and cellular and mucin changes during infection of sheep with larval or adult Teladorsagia circumcincta. PLoS ONE. 12(10)
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M., Scott, I.
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Savoian, MS. (2017). Microscopy methods for analysis of spindle dynamics in meiotic Drosophila spermatocytes. 1471, 265-276
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Smith, RJ., Savoian, MS., Weber, LE., & Park, JH. (2016). Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) interacts with p400 ATPase for an efficient DNA damage response. BMC Molecular Biology. 17(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Simpson, HV., Umair, S., Hoang, VC., & Savoian, MS. (2016). Histochemical study of the effects on abomasal mucins of Haemonchus contortus or Teladorsagia circumcincta infection in lambs. Veterinary Parasitology. 226, 210-221
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Rehman, ZU., Deng, Q., Umair, S., Savoian, MS., Knight, JS., Pernthaner, A., . . . Simpson, HV. (2016). Excretory/secretory products of adult Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta which increase the permeability of Caco-2 cell monolayers are neutralised by antibodies from immune hosts. Veterinary Parasitology. 221, 104-110
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Savoian, MS. (2015). Using photobleaching to measure spindle microtubule dynamics in primary cultures of dividing Drosophila meiotic spermatocytes. Journal of Biomolecular Techniques. 26(2), 66-73
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Lipinszki, Z., Lefevre, S., Savoian, MS., Singleton, MR., Glover, DM., & Przewloka, MR. (2015). Centromeric binding and activity of protein phosphatase 4. Nature Communications. 6
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Savoian, MS., & Glover, DM. (2014). Differing requirements for Augmin in male meiotic and mitotic spindle formation in Drosophila. OPEN BIOLOGY. 4(5),
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Takeda, T., Robinson, IM., Savoian, MM., Griffiths, JR., Whetton, AD., McMahon, HT., . . . Glover, DM. (2013). Drosophila F-BAR protein Syndapin contributes to coupling the plasma membrane and contractile ring in cytokinesis. OPEN BIOLOGY. 3(8)
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Savoian, MS., & Glover, DM. (2010). Drosophila Klp67A binds prophase kinetochores to subsequently regulate congression and spindle length.. J Cell Sci. 123(Pt 5), 767-776
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Glover, DM., Capalbo, L., D'Avino, PP., Gatt, MK., Savoian, MS., & Takeda, T. (2008). Girds 'n' cleeks o' cytokinesis: Microtubule sticks and contractile hoops in cell division. Biochemical Society Transactions. 36(3), 400-404
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Petretti, C., Savoian, M., Montembault, E., Glover, DM., Prigent, C., & Giet, R. (2006). The PITSLRE/CDK11<sup>p58</sup> protein kinase promotes centrosome maturation and bipolar spindle formation. EMBO Reports. 7(4), 418-424
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Laycock, JE., Savoian, MS., & Glover, DM. (2006). Antagonistic activities of Klp10A and orbit regulate spindle length, bipolarity and function in vivo. Journal of Cell Science. 119(11), 2354-2361
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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D'Avino, PP., Savoian, MS., Capalbo, L., & Glover, DM. (2006). RacGAP50C is sufficient to signal cleavage furrow formation during cytokinesis. Journal of Cell Science. 119(21), 4402-4408
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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D'Avino, PP., Savoian, MS., & Glover, DM. (2005). Cleavage furrow formation and ingression during animal cytokinesis: A microtubule legacy. Journal of Cell Science. 118(8), 1549-1558
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Gatt, MK., Savoian, MS., Riparbelli, MG., Massarelli, C., Callaini, G., & Glover, DM. (2005). Klp67A destabilises pre-anaphase microtubules but subsequently is required to stabilise the central spindle. Journal of Cell Science. 118(12), 2671-2682
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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D'Avino, PP., Savoian, MS., & Glover, DM. (2004). Mutations in sticky lead to defective organization of the contractile ring during cytokinesis and are enhanced by Rho and suppressed by Rac. Journal of Cell Biology. 166(1), 61-71
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Inoue, YH., Savoian, MS., Suzuki, T., Máthé, E., Yamamoto, MT., & Glover, DM. (2004). Mutations in orbit/mast reveal that the central spindle is comprised of two microtubule populations, those that initiate cleavage and those that propagate furrow ingression. Journal of Cell Biology. 166(1), 49-60
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Savoian, MS., Gatt, MK., Riparbelli, MG., Callaini, G., & Glover, DM. (2004). Drosophila Klp67A is required for proper chromosome congression and segregation during meiosis I. Journal of Cell Science. 117(16), 3669-3677
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Savoian, MS., & Rieder, CL. (2002). Mitosis in primary cultures of Drosophila melanogaster larval neuroblasts. JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE. 115(15), 3061-3072
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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McEwen, BF., Chan, GKT., Zubrowski, B., Savoian, MS., Sauer, MT., & Yen, TJ. (2001). CENP-E is essential for reliable bioriented spindle attachment, but chromosome alignment can be achieved via redundant mechanisms in mammalian cells. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 12(9), 2776-2789
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Oegema, K., Savoian, MS., Mitchison, TJ., & Field, CM. (2000). Functional analysis of a human homologue of the Drosophila actin binding protein anillin suggests a role in cytokinesis. Journal of Cell Biology. 150(3), 539-551
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Savoian, MS., Goldberg, ML., & Rieder, CL. (2000). The rate of poleward chromosome motion is attenuated in Drosophila zw10 and rod mutants. Nature Cell Biology. 2(12), 948-952
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Savoian, MS., Earnshaw, WC., Khodjakov, A., & Rieder, CL. (1999). Cleavage furrows formed between centrosomes lacking an intervening spindle and chromosomes contain microtubule bundles, INCENP, and CHO1 but not CENP-E. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 10(2), 297-311
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Savoian, MS., Khodjakov, A., & Rieder, CL. (1999). Unilateral and wandering furrows during mitosis in vertebrates: Implications for the mechanism of cytokinesis. Cell Biology International. 23(12), 805-812
[Journal article]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Book

Savoian, MS. (2017). Microscopy methods for analysis of spindle dynamics in meiotic drosophila spermatocytes. In DT. Stuart (Ed.) Meiosis. (pp. 265 - 276). : Humana Press
[Chapter]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Savoian, MS., & Holt, KA. (2017). Epi-fluorescence microscopy and 3D printing: An easily implemented approach for producing accurate physical models of micro- and macro- scopic biological samples. In A. Méndez-Vilas (Ed.) Microscopy and imaging science: practical approaches to applied research and education. (pp. 697 - 702). : Formatex Research Center
[Chapter]Authored by: Holt, K., Savoian, M.
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Conference

Noorifar, N., Savoian, M., Ram, A., Weikert, T., Moerschbacher, B., Mravec, J., . . . Scott, B. (2019, March). Remodelling of the cell wall of endophytic hyphae of Epichloë festucae in the symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne. Presented at 30th Fungal Genetics Conference. Pacific Grove, CA.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Noorifar, N., Savoian, M., Ram, A., Weikert, T., Moerschbacher, B., Mravec, J., . . . Scott, B. (2019). Remodelling of the cell wall of endophytic hyphae of Epichloë festucae in the symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne. Poster session presented at the meeting of 30th Fungal Genetics Conference,. Pacific Grove, California
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Noorifar, N., Savoian, M., Weikert, T., Moerschbacher, B., Mravec, J., Kračun, S., . . . Scott, B. (2018, June). Epichloë festucae cell wall remodeling in the symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne. Presented at ISFEG10. The 10th International Symposium on Fungal Endophytes of Grasses. Salamanca, Spain.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Holt, KA., Pedersen, B., & Savoian, M. (2017). Harnessing 3D printing for palaeoecology teaching: printing pollen. Poster session presented at the meeting of XIX INQUA 2015. Nagoya, Japan
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Holt, K., Savoian, M.
Noorifar, N., Savoian, MS., Weikert, T., Moerschbacher, B., Mravec, J., Kracan, S., . . . Scott, B. (2017). Remodeling of cell wall chitin in endophytic hyphae of Epichloë festucae in the symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne and role of LysM proteins. Poster session presented at the meeting of QMB Plant-Microbe Interactions Satellite at Queenstown Research Week. Queenstown
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.

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Noorifar, N., Savoian, MS., Weikert, T., Moerschbacher, B., & Scott, B. (2017). Remodeling of the cell wall of endophytic hyphae of Epichloë festucae in the symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne. Poster session presented at the meeting of 29th Fungal Genetics Conference, Pacific Grove,. California, United States of America
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Noorifar, N., Savoian, M., & Scott, B. (2016). Functional analysis of Epichloë festucae genes encoding proteins with LysM domains in the symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne. Poster session presented at the meeting of Queenstown Research Week, Plant Molecular Biology Satellite, Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Noorifar, N., Savoian, M., & Scott, B. (2015). The role of Epichloë festucae lysM effector genes in suppressing the host immune system in the Lolium perenne symbiosis. Poster session presented at the meeting of 9th International Symposium on Fungal Endophytes of Grasses and 1st International Symposium on Plant Microbiomes (ISFEG and ISPM 2015), Melbourne, Australia
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Savoian, MS. (2015). Dissecting the molecular pathways of spindle function in dividing male meiotic cells. Poster session presented at the meeting of NZ Microscopy Society 2015
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Lipinszki, Z., Lefevre, S., Savoian, MS., Singleton, MR., Glover, DM., & Przewloka, MR.Direct interaction between CENP-C and protein phosphatase 4 regulatory subunit 3 affects Drosophila kinetochore integrity. FEBS JOURNAL. (pp. 68 - 69). 1742-464X.
[Conference]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Lipinszki, Z., Przewloka, MR., Savoian, MS., & Glover, DM.Interaction between Drosophila CENP-C and protein phosphatase 4. FEBS JOURNAL. (pp. 96 - 96). 1742-464X.
[Conference]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Savoian, MS., Gatt, MK., Glover, DM., Riparbelli, MG., & Callini, G.A kinesin-like protein required for correct spindle structure during meiosis I and mitosis in Drosophila. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL. (pp. 444A - 444A). 1059-1524.
[Conference]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Zubrowski, B., Savoian, MS., Chan, GKT., Yen, TJ., & McEwen, BF. (2000). CENP-E is not required for congression or anaphase motion in vertebrate somatic cells.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Savoian, MS., & Rieder, CL. (2000). ZW10 is required for poleward chromosome motion in Drosophila.
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Savoian, MS., & Rieder, CL. (1999). The behavior of unattached chromatids as they attach to the anaphase spindle..
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Savoian, M., & Rieder, CL. (1998). A structural and immunological characterization of 'Rappaport' cytokinetic furrows in vertebrate somatic cells..
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Savoian, M.

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Other

Savoian, M. (2019, January). Live cell imaging and quantitative light microscopy workshop. Presented at Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Savoian, M. (2019, April). Let's get physical: Combining confocal microscopy with 3D printing. Presented at Maurice Wilkins Centre.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Noorifar, N., Savoian, M., Weikert, T., Moerschbacher, B., Scott, B., & Scott, DB. (2017, March). Remodeling of the cell wall of endophytic hyphae of Epichloë festucae in the symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne. In Plant-Microbe Interactions symposium, Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Savoian, MS. (2015). Methods for live microscopy of drosophila spermatocytes. : John Wiley & Sons
[Internet publication]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Savoian, MS., & Glover, DM. (2012, September). Meiotic Kinetochores Directly Nucleate “Mini-spindles” In An Augmin-Dependent Manner. In Laboratory of Nick Brown, Wellcome Trust, Univ. of Cambridge, UK.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.

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Savoian, MS., & Glover, DM. (2012, November). Augmin is required at kinetochores but not microtubules for meiotic spindle formation. In Laboratory of Guy Tear, MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, UK.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Savoian, M.
Savoian, MS., & Glover, DM. (2008). Methods for live microscopy of Drosophila spermatocytes.
[Internet publication]Authored by: Savoian, M.
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Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

Biology of Cells

The Molecular Cell

Proteins & Cell Biology

Contact Supervisor

Graduate Supervision Statement

Postgraduate education is an opportunity to enhance one's skills, understanding of biological processes and learn how to critically evaluate data and then present it. I take a traditional approach of helping to provide students with this foundation and then let them learn by doing. I do not employ a micro-managing style and have a philosophy of guidance complemented with independance. Students are expected to be enthusiastic, motivated and to keep abreast of the literature. this allows them to write their own manuscripts with significant support from me as needed.


Dr Matthew Savoian is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Co-supervisor 0 1

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2018 - Nazanin Noorifar - Doctor of Philosophy
    How does Epichloe festucae avoid host defence response?

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Last updated on Monday 27 February 2023