The laboratory focuses on the relationship between structure and function of membrane proteins, with particular emphasis on electrogenic proteins. The main focus is on neurotransmitter transporters, particularly on SLC6 and SLC1 families, and their crucial role in neuronal functionality, including the regulation of the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance. These studies are essential for understanding the contribution of such proteins to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
The focus is also on analysing their interactions with drugs and endogenous/exogenous molecules for therapeutic purposes, as well as the effect of mutations identified in genetic rare diseases. Other essential transport proteins involved in nutrient and ion uptake are also investigated.
The biophysical characterisation of the molecular mechanisms of substrate translocation is primarily conducted through heterologous expression of native and recombinant proteins – sometimes transplanted from original tissues – in Xenopus oocytes. Electrophysiology and biophysical techniques are employed, complemented by immunohistochemical and fluorimetric approaches.
Address:
DBSV- Via J.H. Dunant 3
date/time interval:
(April 9, 1997 - )