Molecular Physiology & Cell Biology

A thorough knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that govern cellular life is important to understand the mode of action of drugs and to identify appropriate new targets for pharmaceutical intervention. Genetic modification of mice is an effective tool to elucidate the physiological and pathological roles of individual protein targets.

We conduct basic research on the physiology and cell biology of ion channels and transporters, pre- and postsynaptic membrane proteins, including synaptic vesicles, G-protein-coupled receptors, exoendocytic trafficking, and the permeation properties of epithelia. To study these processes, we employ a broad arsenal of techniques, including biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, biophysics, and imaging (light and electron microscopy), as well as the generation and analysis of transgenic mouse models.