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Chemical biology of membranes
Our research group investigates how cells tune their levels of sterols and sphingolipids to maintain membrane homeostasis and proper cell function. We focus on the lysosome, a catabolic organelle that plays a central role in breakdown and recycling of cellular biomolecules. To study how lysosomes coordinate lipid flows throughout the cell, we utilize tools of chemical biology, such as functionalized lipid analogs. Our overall goal is to understand the molecular rules regulating cellular lipid balance in health and disease.
Research topics
- Organization of lysosomal lipid transport
- Spatio-temporal regulation of subcellular lipid distribution
- Lysosomal signaling in health and disease
- Sterol and sphingolipid metabolism
Model systems
- Mammalian cell lines
- Artificial membranes (liposomes, giant vesicles, supported bilayers)
- Purified and labelled proteins
Methods
- Photoactivatable and clickable lipid analogs
- Click chemistry
- Organelle targeted multifunctional lipid analogs
- Fluorescence microscopy
- Protein purification
- In vitro protein-lipid interaction and transport assays
