Determinants and Consequences of Biological Membrane Organization

• Phase-Separation in Model Lipid Membranes
• Influenza Infection and Cell Membrane Organization
• Discovery of Cancer Biomarkers

Many biological processes that are required for survival involve the cell membrane. This includes photosynthesis, cell-cell recognition, signal transduction, and nutrient uptake. The cell membrane is a macromolecular assemblage of proteins, sterols, and complex carbohydrates that are embedded within a fluid lipid bilayer. The identity and organization of the components within the membrane affect biological function. Though the much is known about the distributions of specific proteins in cellular membranes, our understanding of how lipids and sterols are distributed in the membrane, and the forces that generate the cell membrane organization is poor.

The Kraft lab combines principles of complex fluids with cutting-edge imaging technologies to identify the factors that are responsible for cell membrane organization, and the effects of cell membrane organization on cellular processes. We are particularly interested in how the influenza virus manipulates the cell membrane to promote virus replication. We are also developing new technologies for the identification of molecular-level changes in cell membrane structure that are early indicators of cancer.