Research lines

Dynamics and interactions of the cell membrane and its nanoenvironment

Dynamics of membrane proteins and membrane remodeling, in health and disease 

We are aiming to understand how proteins and lipids interact to drive membrane deformation, fusion and fission and how the mosaic membrane generates complexity and biological function. We are investigating minimal in vitro reconstituted systems to precisely evaluate the biophysical aspects and the physical chemistry of lipid membranes and protein assemblies. In particular, we are studying the effect of antimicrobial peptides on bacterial membranes (with an eye on pharmaceutical applications), calcium-triggered exocytosis, dynamics voltage-gated ion channels and in situ conversion of ceramides altering membrane composition. 

Single molecule interaction and membrane mechanics

The interaction of the membrane proteins with the cytosolic and extracellular nanoenvironment is mediated by individual molecules. We are probing the interaction of protein-protein and membrane-protein interaction using single molecule force spectroscopy with AFS and AFM. These measurements are complemented with bulk, ensemble measurements with surface plasmon resonance. In addition, the mechanical response of membranes modulates membrane and membrane protein dynamics. We are using similar approaches to better understand the mechanics of membranes over a wide range of timescales.

Biological physics and mechanobiology of cells and tissues in health and disease

Multiscale adhesion and mechanics in cell function

Adhesion and mechanics are interrelated and difficult to understand one without the other. We are studying the interplay between adhesion and mechanics involved in two specific biological processes: cancer cell malignancy and the leukocyte adhesion cascade. Cancer cell malignancy implies formation of metastases and it is known that malignancy correlates with cell softness, in turn modulated by the interaction with the nanoenvironment. The leukocyte adhesion cascade is the first response of the immune system and a highly mechanical process, involving adhesion of leukocytes to the vascular endothelium through single molecules, the formation of long membrane tethers and the deformation and reorganization of the cell cytoskeleton. Complete understanding of the physics behind these two processes requires an approach over multiple length and time scales, from single molecules to the whole cell. Our approach involves mechanical measurements at multiple length and time scales: probing the binding strength of single adhesion complexes and unfolding of proteins, as well as the membrane deformation and tether formation and cytoskeleton microrheology across the cell surface, from microseconds to minutes and hours. 

Fundamental mechanical response of single molecules, membranes, cells and tissues 

Mechanics of cells and tissues play a crucial role in many cell functions. Cells and tissues are complex materials that, as such, have a complex, heterogeneous viscoelastic response. The development of advance tools to better probe cell and tissue mechanics at the nanometre and micrometre scales and over the wider dynamic regime is thus essential to understand the role of mechanics in cell function. Moreover, knowledge of the mechanical response of their molecular components such as membranes and single protein filaments, is crucial to obtain a mechanistic description. We developed new techniques, approaches, models and protocols to more robustly and accurately probe cell and tissue rheology and the membrane and single molecule mechanics. Our work is based on nanotools available in the laboratory, mainly atomic force microscopy (AFM) and acoustic force spectroscopy (AFS). This is complemented with other approaches available through collaboration or accessible to the lab such as traction force microscopy, optical tweezers, nanoindentation and cell and tissue stretchers. 

Upcoming events

• Forum Sondes Locales, April 2024, Lyon

• European South Atlantic Biophysics Meeting, June 2024, San Sebastian

Past events

• Single Molecule Biophysics, January 2024, Les Houches

• BSI, November 2023, Marseille

• AFMBioMed summer school, August 2023, Marcoule

• EBSA meeting, August 2023, Sweden

• DPG SKM23, March 2023, Dresden, Germany