Regulation in Cellular Signal Transduction

Cells respond to a large variety of signals using only a limited set of signaling modules which are organized in complex networks. The activity of these signaling switches is spatially and temporally regulated, and this regulation governs normal development and cellular homeostasis. Consequently, uncontrolled activation is a hallmark of many diseases such as cancer. It is therefore not surprising that the cell has intricate regulatory mechanisms in place to control signal transduction.

Our lab is interested in deciphering the basic regulatory principles in signal transduction networks on a molecular level using a combination of X-ray crystallography, biophysical and cellular approaches. We focus on two main areas of research: Bacterial signaling controlling biofilm formation and pathogenicity, and endocytosis in eukaryotes.