Molecular Cardiology and Membrane Proteins

We study proteins in health and disease with focus on cardiac and neurological disorders. Our methods range from studies in cell-free systems, molecular and cellular assays, ex vivo techniques (e.g. perfused hearts), in vivo techniques and state-of-the-art structural biology. We employ small and large animal models, ranging from zebrafish to pigs. We have frontline expertise within X-ray crystallography and cryoEM, imaging, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and access to a variety of well-defined human cohorts.

We study structure-function-disease relationships of a broad range of membrane proteins involved in cell homeostasis and transport across cell membranes. We focus on the roles and mechanisms of ion channel complexes, transport proteins and receptors. We address the impact of mutations, molecular regulatory mechanisms and accessory subunits. We characterize the physiology and dynamics of ion channel subunits in the heart, in neurons and epithelia, where ion channel localization is dynamic and can change dramatically in response to different physiological conditions

We aim to reveal the pathophysiology and novel treatment options for a broad range of diseases. A particular focus is the area of cardiology, where we address the molecular bases of cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac myopathies. We strive to identify novel diagnostics, preventive measures and pharmaceutical targets to treat cardiac disease.

Finally, we develop and apply novel computational and experimental tools to accelerate the discovery, characterization and application of biomedical peptides from marine venoms and see these as tools to elucidated unknown signaling pathways important in health and disease.

For more information on the topics and methods, please visit the group sites of our theme members.