Research

Our research is aimed at elucidating the structure-function relationships of proteins and cellular components. We hope to contribute to the general knowledge about the molecular mechanisms behind chronic diseases and to help develop effective treatments.

Currently, we are investigating an important class of membrane proteins called G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCRs constitute the largest protein family in the human genome and are implicated in numerous diseases. As such, they also represent the biggest group of drug targets with approximately 30% of approved drugs targeting GPCRs. We employ the presently flourishing method of cryo-EM single particle analysis to study the structure of their complexes with both native and synthetic agonists. Our recent results comprise several full-length unmodified GPRC structures at resolutions better than 3 Å. They showcase both the capabilities of cryo-EM as a technique and the successful launch of the new cryo-EM facility at the Graduate School of Medicine.

In parallel to our structural studies, we are also working on the development of new methods for cryo-EM. The field is growing rapidly and there are many areas where further advances are possible and/or are highly desirable. We are working mainly on improving the experimental aspects of the technique but in future projects plan to expand our developments towards deep learning and data processing.