Research

Decoding cell signaling in time and space!

We aim for multidisciplinary strategies to understand receptor activation and signaling from the molecular level to the final physiological response.

For this, we focus on designing and developing innovative tools and systems to control and monitor how receptor organization at the plasma membrane influences the cellular outcome.

Our work integrates key aspects such as receptor clustering, mechanosensing, ligand-independent responses, and temporal dynamics of receptors with the generation of novel methodology to investigate physiological responses.

In addition, we are strongly interested in developing approaches to mimic and investigate cell-cell interactions in cancer and the tumor microenvironment.

Projects

Tools and system development

By combining chemical biology, optochemistry, and nanotechnology we aim to develop integrative approaches to unravel how ligand organization, mobility, and clustering influence the final physiological outcome.

We mimic cell-cell interfaces by using nano- and micropatterning strategies in combination with model membranes to generate fluid lipid bilayer arrays. In addition, we develop light-controlled tools to control ligand-receptor interactions in time and space.

The next generation of 2D and 3D integrative approaches to tackle ligand-independent responses, mechanosensing, and clustering will be tackled in the group.

Deciphering plexin signaling

Plexins function as receptors for the repulsive axonal guidance molecules semaphorins.

Plexins regulate the shape and motility of cells during the development of the nervous and cardiovascular systems and play important roles in many pathophysiological processes, including cancer, immunological, and neurological diseases.

However, how the clustering of plexins modulates downstream signaling remains elusive.

In particular, there is a lack of connection between receptor cluster size and distribution, mechanical signals, and the impact on the final cellular activity.

To bridge this gap, we will develop versatile multidisciplinary approaches to understand the critical functions of plexin-semaphorin signaling.

Funding

Emmy Noether DFG program

2024 – 2030

Decoding plexin signaling by chemo- and mechanosignals