Who we are

We tailor high resolution imaging techniques to study the mechanism of ESCRT driven membrane fission.

Our moto is to advance state-of-the-art microscopy techniques including quantitative live cell imaging and super resolution (SR) microscopy and cryo-EM molecular machines. In order to resolve how proteins shape membranes across evolution

Specifically, we focus on understanding how the evolutionary conserved ESCRT complex orchestrate in cells to cut membranes. By combining high-resolution imaging with biochemical and structural studies of ESCRT machineris encoded in prokaryotes and eukaryotes , we aim to unlock the mechanistic principals of this unqiue protein complex

Research

ESCRT's in animal cell division

At the end of mammalian cell division, the two nascent daughter cells are connected by a narrow membrane tube called the intercellular bridge. Cutting of the intercellular bridge, termed abscission, is driven by the ESCRT complex. The spatiotemporal characteristics of abscission are ideal for high-end microscopy techniques. To elucidate the mechanism of ESCRTs in physiological context we therefore apply high-resolution microscopy techniques to visualize ESCRTs in mammalian cell abscission. To obtain an inclusive understanding of ESCRT function in abscission, we visualize abscission in both mammalian tissue culture cells and in a developmental system (zebrafish embryogenesis). By combining information obtained from a variety of microscopy tools including live cell imaging, X-ray tomography and Super resolution microscopy we generate mechanistic models for ESCRT-mediated membrane abscission.

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Function of ancient ESCRT system

The origin of the eukaryotic cell 1.5-2 billion years ago is one of the most profound transitions in the evolutionary history of life. Unlike prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea), eukaryotic cells are composed of membrane bound organelles that communicate with one another via membrane carriers. Therefore, studying membrane shaping proteins in ancient lifeforms can get us closer into understanding the membrane-based processes that occurred through evolution. Specifically, we study the ESCRT complex encoded in the recently identified Asgard archaea, which is considered to be the closest prokaryotic ancestor of eukaryotes. By combining in vitro biochemical studies and collaborating with leading groups in the archaea field we aim to shed light on the membrane remodeling capabilities that enabled eukaryogenesis.

 

Our tool box

We invest a great effort in developing ways to resolve the structural organization of ESCRT complex in abscission at sufficient spatiotemporal resolution. Over the past few years we established a microscopy-based toolbox to reach our goal.

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