About our group
Life is governed by nanoscale molecular machines in constant motion—proteins. These fascinating molecular machines do not exist as static structures, but continuously move, interact, and transition between states to adapt to the changing environment of a cell. These dynamic states are fundamental to normal cellular function, but when their regulation and interplay become altered, they can contribute to the molecular foundation of cancer development and progression.
Our group seeks to understand how protein dynamics encode cellular state by resolving the dynamic interplay of proteins with ligands, other proteins, and organelle membranes across time and at atomic resolution. Our goal is to uncover dynamic states that are characteristic of cancer cells and reveal vulnerabilities that remain invisible in static structures. By exploring the relationship between molecular dynamics, cellular state, and disease, we aim to open new paths toward state-specific and more precise therapeutic strategies.
Our team combines advanced concepts in time-resolved structural biology, including serial crystallography and cryo-EM, with biochemistry and cell biology to understand how protein dynamics change between cellular states. We integrate these structural and functional insights with molecular dynamics simulations and virtual drug discovery to identify and explore dynamic, cancer-state-specific vulnerabilities.
As a research group and part of the broader scientific community at our institute, we are committed to providing a supportive and stimulating environment for scientific and personal growth at every stage of a career. If you share our enthusiasm for uncovering how protein dynamics shape cellular function and disease, and are excited to push these boundaries with cutting-edge technologies, we would love to hear from you. We welcome creative ideas, diverse scientific backgrounds, and ambitious perspectives from researchers at all career stages—from undergraduate students to experienced postdoctoral researchers.
