Understanding Cellular Processes at the Membrane

Being the boundary between a cell and its surroundings (and additionally between different compartments inside a eukaryotic cell), many important and interesting biological processes occur at membranes. We are especially interested in understanding how proteins recognize lipid membranes and interact with them. Effects of protein/lipid interactions can be diverse and affect both the protein as well as the lipid-bilayer. We use the aforementioned lipid platform technology to study the structure of protein/lipid-assemblies. Besides, we also employ more classical techniques such as fluorescence labels to track both proteins and lipids, or simple co-sedimentation assays to define interaction conditions.