Research

Cells react, both globally and locally, to external stimulation via a diverse array of responses ranging from changes in protein conformation, intermolecular interactions and molecular transport (e.g., diffusion), which occur over a wide span of time scales. To address the heterogeneous complexity within living cells, we require new experimental approaches that will allow us to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms leading to specific cellular functions and pathologies and, ultimately, the identification of new targets for drug discovery. To this end, we are developing a multiscale biophotonics approach that integrates non-invasive fluorescence microscopy and ultrafast laser spectroscopy techniques with state-of-the-art technologies. We use this approach to investigate different aspects of cell biology and biophysics, which include the following research areas:

1. Energy metabolism and mitochondrial anomalies
2. Engineered lipid domain formation in biomimetic membranes (giant unilamellar vesicles, GUVs)
3. Immunoreceptor signaling in RBL mast cells
4. Protein dynamics and protein-protein interactions
5. Molecular crowding

The diversity and biocomplexity of these biological systems and processes are also driving the development of quantitative techniques, image processing and data analysis algorithms in our laboratory. This cross-disciplinary research requires students and postdoctoral associates from a variety of scientific backgrounds such as bioengineering, cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and physics.