Membrane Structure and Function
Research in membrane structure and function aims to understand how cells bend and shape their inner membrane networks, a process also called membrane trafficking. Dysregulation of membrane trafficking is associated with a range of diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. Research is conducted to understand molecular consequences of membrane binding by peripheral membrane proteins, and uses a range of imaging techniques, primarily cryo-EM, to visualize this process. Eukaryotes are in part defined by their complicated membrane networks and understanding the molecular rules that govern protein-membrane interactions is a fundamental question in cell biology.
Faculty
Chrystal Starbird