Our Research
Our laboratory uses molecular electron microscopy to study structures of large protein complexes that function as molecular machines. Our main focus is related to two fundamental questions in cell biology: How do cells interact with each other and with their environment, and how do they obtain the nutrients essential for cell survival? We focus on integral membrane proteins because they play a crucial role in mediating information transfer between cells and between compartments within cells; and they are involved in vital processes such as energy conversion, sensing, fusion, nutrient and solute uptake. More than 20% of the genes in the human genome encode membrane-traversing proteins and so it is critical to study structures of membrane proteins to unravel important biological and physiological processes. Our model system is the eye lens, whose cells are rich in junction-forming membrane proteins and transporters needed for nutrient uptake.
