Research
Cells and organelles contain membrane proteins facilitating diverse functions. We are interested in understanding how membrane proteins mediate active transport processes and how membrane-integral enzymes facilitate the glycosylation of proteins. Both of these processes are of fundamental importance for human cells, dysfunction is associated with disease, and understanding the molecular basis may offer avenues for drug discovery.
Membrane Transport Proteins
Transport across biological membranes is generally mediated by transport proteins. We have revealed how ATP-driven transporters mediate drug and lipid extrusion from human cells. We also elucidated the basis of sodium-driven bile salt uptake into liver cells and are investigating other secondary active transporters that mediate drug and bile salt translocation.
Protein glycosylation
A large number of human proteins are modified by the covalent attachment of carbohydrates or glycans, which is essential for protein quality control and targeting and secreted glycoproteins facilitate essential cell-cell communication. The enzymes catalyzing this modification are glycosyltransferases. We have elucidated how secretory proteins become N-glycosylated and C-glycosylated through the action of oligosaccharyltransferase and C-mannosyltransferase.