Membrane Enzymology, Home

Protein-lipid interactions in the dynamic organization and function of biomembranes

Our research aims at a thorough understanding at the molecular level of protein-lipid interactions in the metabolic, trafficking, and signaling pathways of lipids in living cells. In particular, we focus on the enzymes that are involved in the metabolism, transbilayer translocation, and signaling actions of the sphingolipids. We elucidate relationships between structure, catalytic mechanism, substrate specificity, and biological function. These properties are studied in the context of the living cell: cellular lipidomics.?A further objective of the department is to provide optimal teaching facilities for students of (bio)chemistry and biomolecular sciences, both through research and specific courses in enzymology and membrane biochemistry.

Aim
The research goal of Membrane Enzymology is to uncover novel mechanisms of how cells use lipids for their vital functions, and thereby create new insights in lipid-related disease and therapy. The actual research is focused on protein-lipid interactions in the metabolism, trafficking, and signaling pathways of sphingolipids.

Ambition
We aspire to be a leading research group in the molecular cell biology of lipids, covering the chemistry, biology and physics of membrane lipids, and of proteins involved in their metabolism and transport. We want to contribute to the diagnosis and therapy of lipid-related disorders, and finally we want to be inspiring teachers and mentors for young scientists and for society at large.

Head of department:

Groupleaders