Research

Signaling in the CNS

The brain is a complex, temporally and spatially, multiscale structure designed to transmit and compute information from internal and external signals to govern and maintain physiology. Signal transduction is mediated by receptors that reside at the cell surface and have evolved to recognize a wide variety of extracellular cues and translate them into specific outputs within the cell.

Our research focuses on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), a large family of membrane proteins that regulate multiple aspects of brain physiology from vision and taste to the mediation of mood, appetite and cognition. By combining structural biology (Cryo-EM) with biochemistry and cell biology, we uncover the mechanisms of GPCR biology in health and disease.

The Evolution of Signaling

Signaling systems of evolved organisms are extremely complex and intriguing. Thus, beyond studying signal transduction in the human brain, we also explore signaling in primary organisms (e.g., algae or fungi) to gain insights into how they have evolved through evolution. Our studies focus on a family of light sensitive membrane proteins, the rhodopsins, that couple light with cellular functions (e.g., enzymatic activity, ion channeling) to mediate basic functions in single-cell eukaryotes. Our studies, that couple molecular biology, biochemistry and advanced microscopy, span from metagenomics to explore new genes, to protein structure and cellular functions.

Tool Design for CNS Exploration

Optogenetics allows the control of action potential in neurons, thus modulating their activity, through the heterologous expression of light sensitive proteins in the brain. Our group's exploration of the structure and function of light activated proteins enables an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of action of these proteins. We further apply this knowledge for the development of optogenetic tools that respond to various colors to control different brain functions. Our work includes the characterization of light induced cellular activities and their utilization in neurons.