Membrane Biology
Research includes:
- Beta-glucan Synthases
- Bioenergetics
- Cell to Cell Communication
- Cell Wall Synthesis
- Cellular Energetics
- Cellulose Synthases
- Exo/Endocytosis
- Flip-Flop
- Glycoprotein Synthesis
- Glycosyl Transferases
- Golgi Apparatus
- Lateral Diffusion
- Lipid Trafficking
- Membrane Dynamics
- Membrane Microdomains
- Membrane Proteins
- Membrane-Associated Enzymes
- Phase Behavior
- Plant Membranes
- Plant Polysaccharide Synthesis
- Protein Trafficking
- Protein-Lipid Interactions
- Signaling Platforms
- Transmembrane Transport
Training Group Mission:
Students in the Membrane Biology training group are educated in the basic and fundamental understanding of cell membranes, their components and how membrane and membrane-associated processes control numerous cellular functions. In addition, students are involved in the transfer of these discoveries into new therapies, biofunctional materials, beneficial agricultural products, and devices for the treatment of human disease. Students work with a multidisciplinary group of faculty from many departments who employ an extensive range of experimental approaches including biochemistry, neurobiology, molecular biology, structural biology, microscopy, biophysical chemistry, analytical and organic chemistry, and engineering. The study of membranes and membrane proteins is a burgeoning and exciting frontier in the life sciences and recent technical advances in the field make significant progress and discovery possible. Students also have the opportunity to interact with other members of the program through seminar courses and research meetings.
Faculty Membership
Protein trafficking and membrane transport in relation to the processes of cell polarity establishment and carcinogenic transformation
(1) Electron Transport; Cytochrome Complexes; (2) Bacterial Toxin (Colicin) Import
Cell biology of mammalian gametes and fertilization.
Synaptic and dendritic integration in vitro and in vivo, sensory integration, two-photon imaging, optogenetics, sub-cellular patch-clamp recordings, nanotechology, bioelectronics
Structural biology, membrane proteins, protein folding, protein transport across membrane, protein import and trafficking, infectious diseases, pathogenic bacteria, multi-drug resistant bacteria, Gram-negative bacterial pathogens
Nervous system development and regeneration, neuronal growth cone motility and guidance, ROS signaling, neuronal mechanics, advanced live cell imaging, spinal cord injury.