Research
Linking structure and function, we provide insights into the evolutionary and biophysical principles that regulate membrane proteins
Why We Do What We Do
Our lab investigates the molecular and structural mechanisms underlying mechanosensory transduction – that is, how different forms of energy are converted into protein motion –, in vertebrate and invertebrate systems. Using structural techniques, we focus on both the structure and function of membrane proteins, specifically ion channels (such as Prestin, TMC1, TWIK2, Hv1, and BKca), and their roles in mechanotransduction.
Using a range of species, such as zebrafish and cnidarians, we explore aspects of the mechanotransduction complex (MTC), addressing voltage-dependent processes. Linking structure and function, we use powerful tools like cryo-EM microscopy and computational methods to visualize structural and dynamic aspects of molecular complexes in detail with the goal of providing insights into the evolutionary and biophysical principles that regulate membrane proteins and establish molecular principles.
The MET Complex
In the field of study of vertebrate hair cells, the molecular mechanisms that connect the mechanoelectrical transduction complex (MET) to diverse mechanical stimuli remain little explored.
We use cnidarian nematocytes as a mechanistic model to explore the detailed composition, structure, and function of the MET complex, focusing on transmembrane channel-like TMCs.
Prestin and sensory mechanotransduction
Prestin, a unique voltage-driven motor protein expressed in cochlear outer hair cells, drives electromotility —a process that refers to voltage-dependent changes in cell length and serves to mechanically amplify auditory signals.
We epxlore its molecular function and structure. Most recently, we have been looking into the role of anions in prestin’s functional cycle, how the protein responds to mechanical cues, and how its structure and function differs among species.
Hair cells and its role in hearing and balance
Aiming to uncover how mechanosensation has evolved and how they are used across animal life to translate mechanical forces into cellular responses, we use stinging cells of jellyfish and other cnidarians to study the function of hair cells and TMCs.