Current Projects

1. Mechanisms underlying voltage-dependent ion channels

Voltage-dependent ion channels open and close their pores in response to changes in the membrane potential (for instance, -60 mV to 0 mV). By determining structures of these channels in the presence and absence of a membrane potential, we study how these channels open and close in response to changes in the membrane voltage. 

2. Principles of ion channel clustering and assembly

Many proteins function not just in isolation but also by interacting with other proteins as part of signaling pathways in living cells. We study how different channels interact both with self and with other proteins to form these biological circuits.

3. Understanding protein connectivity in cells

Most proteins and lipids are not randomly distributed at cell membranes but rather organized in some manner, presumably to facilitate their biological function. We study how different proteins are distributed in biological membranes to understand the chemical and physical principles of organization.