We focus on a classical and fundamental question in biology – how do biological systems integrate diverse signals to produce distinct and appropriate responses?
Our research program has expanded into several exciting new areas of modern biology including mechanobiology, phase transitions, and the regulation of the biophysical properties of the cytoplasm.
Through genetic and biochemical approaches coupled with powerful fluorescent biosensors and live cell imaging, we aim to define new biological mechanisms that govern cell signaling.
Cells live in a constantly changing environment, accordingly signaling networks have evolved to be extremely dynamic. To study signaling dynamics and its role in controlling cell cycle we use live cell imaging of fluorescent biosensors. These technologies provide the spatial and temporal resolutions required to understand how single cells sense and properly respond appropriately to a changing environment.
Since the discovery of AvGFP, extraordinary progress has been made to observe molecular events in live cells. However the number of signaling events that can be monitored is still relatively scarce. To address this issue, we use synthetic biology and protein engineering to develop new genetically encoded biosensors. These molecular indicators enable exciting new possibilities to study signaling and cell cycle dynamics in live single cells.
Cell signaling is governed by the stochastic nature of molecular interactions. To understand how cell fate decisions emerge from this stochasticity, approaches that link the behavior of single molecules with cell fate are needed. We combine live super-resolution microscopy of single molecules with single cell biosensors to understand how order emerges from chaos.
T cells are constantly making life-or-death decisions based on minute differences in antigen, a process known as antigen discrimination. This process relies on the ability of T cells to measure the temporal properties of the TCR-Antigen-MHC interaction. We use a combination of unique mouse models, live cell biosensors, and advanced image analysis tools to study how T cells evaluate antigens in real time.
