Research description
Membrane proteins are essential for signal transduction and the transfer of proteins and small molecules across the biological membrane. Our research is focused on structural biology of integral membrane proteins. We are particularly interested in Ca2+ transport and signaling, vitamin transport, and intramembrane proteases. In addition, we develop methods for time-resolved structural studies and apply novel membrane mimics to biologically interesting systems.
Current projects include:
- Structure-function analysis of calcium pumps and channels
- Structural studies to elucidate the transport mechanism of vitamin transporters
- Time-resolved characterization of intramembrane proteolysis
- Incorporation of unnatural amino acids into membrane proteins as novel biophysical probes
We are using a diversity of methods including X-ray crystallography, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), but also electron microscopy, various spectroscopic and other biophysical and biochemical techniques.
