Molecular machines
Many proteins in living cells function as molecular machines. Such machines facilitate energy conversion, synthesis of biopolymers, molecular transport, and other cellular processes. At the atomic scale, the mechanisms of the machines are non-intuitive, and they differ drastically from their human-made analogs. More
Membrane proteins
Using single-particle cryo-EM we study structures of membrane protein complexes involved in cell bioenergetics, transport, and signaling. We use lipid nanodiscs to reconstitute purified membrane proteins into a lipid environment closely mimicking biological membranes. Our laboratory has access to the JEOL CRYO-ARM 300 electron microscope located on the VUB campus at the BECM facility.
Microfluidics for cryo-EM
We also work on method development. New approaches for cryo-EM that enable faster and better preparation of cryo-EM grids are being explored in the laboratory. A team of engineers develops microfluidic chips and integrated devices working hand in hand with structural biologists.