Our Research
All research in biology relies on precise measurements that provide insights into complex systems. In fact, significant advances are most often made possible by new ways of probing biological systems. We focuses on the science of measurements and biological sensors. We have developed novel biological sensors and probes for visualizing cellular dynamics such as localized protein activity, signaling, mitochondrial function and cell state transitions. Developing multi-faceted biosensors enable us to ask how diverse cellular processes are coordinated with spatial and temporal precision. For instance, we have the tools to measure on how signaling protein activity and cellular energetics (mitochondrial dynamics and function) are spatially and temporally coupled in cell state transitions. Interestingly, our quest for new ways of probing biological systems has led to unexpected discoveries and new insights in diverse areas of biology. Engineering and design have always sought inspiration from nature. Indeed, our own explorations in the realm of natural light sensing have led us to make path breaking discoveries in the area of sensory neuronal/non-neuronal processing and regeneration biology. Novel sensory proteins and signaling modules discovered by us also provide a template for advances in cellular optogenetics and light sensing devices. An important strength of our program is its diversity where we have intensively developed and explored BOTH natural and engineered light-based biological sensors to uncover new mechanisms and concepts. Our research is highly collaborative, combines disciplines (sensory & synthetic biology, development/regeneration, cell signaling, bioengineering and chemistry) and offers an integrative approach with extensive quantification to address complex problems in life science.
THEME 1: Sensing light by natural light sensors: Novel light sensing modalities, sensors, processing and functional regeneration in model organisms
THEME 2: Engineering biosensors for imaging protein activity, signal integration and cell state transitions: Src family kinases as signaling nodes.
THEME 3: Integrative chemical biology and fluorescent imaging of the cell micro-environment: Visualizing mitochondrial function and dynamics for cell state mapping.
THEME 2: Engineering biosensors for imaging protein activity, signal integration and cell state transitions: Src family kinases as signaling nodes.
THEME 3: Integrative chemical biology and fluorescent imaging of the cell micro-environment: Visualizing mitochondrial function and dynamics for cell state mapping.