THE STRUCTURE OF MICROBIAL CELL WALLS
Many bacteria and most archaea are enveloped in S-layers, protective lattices of proteins. These S-layers define both the cell’s shape and periplasmic space and play essential roles in cell division, adhesion, biofilm formation, protection against harsh environments and phages and comprise important virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria. We investigate the structure S-layers in order to gain a deeper understanding into their function and to explore how these fascinating protein lattices can be engineered into novel materials in nanotechnology and drug delivery.
THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION FLAGELLA AND PILI
Microorganisms use a variety of filaments that extend up to several micrometers from the cell surface. These filaments have a wide spectrum of functions essential to microbial life: They enable cells to move, adhere to surfaces, and interact with each-other and their environment. These filaments are controlled by molecular machines that are anchored to the cell membrane and drive their assembly and motion. Our lab uses cryoEM to study the structure and function of these filaments and the molecular machines that control them. Our work will shed new light on microbial biology and has important implications for drug development and synthetic biology.
STUDYING EUKARYOTIC INTRACELLULAR PARASITES
Using cryo electron tomography, we investigate how tiny eukaryotic parasites called microsporidia infect animal and human cells.
Our work will provide new insights into how to combat infectious disease at the molecular level.
VISUALISING MOLECULAR MACHINES INSIDE CELLS
By combining cryo electron tomography and single particle analysis, we investigate how molecular machines work and cooperate inside cells.
This will help us understand the very fundamentals of life.
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