Neuronal Exocytosis

Neurotransmitter release at the neuronal synapse is fundamental for signal transmission between nerve cells. Synaptic vesicles fuse with the pre-synaptic plasma membrane in a Ca2+ triggered and synchronized manner (neuronal exocytosis), to release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. We study the structure and dynamics of membrane proteins and intrinsically disordered proteins that play a key role in neuronal exocytosis.

Proton-detected solid-state NMR spectroscopy for the structural investigation of membrane proteins

New nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) based methods are developed to investigate the structure and dynamics of membrane proteins in a near-physiological lipid environment and at physiological temperatures. A focus is on novel proton-detected solid-state NMR experiments based on very fast magic angle spinning (MAS frequency between 60 and 110 kHz).

Protein dynamics

We develop new methods to investigate protein dynamics at different timescales, from pico- to milliseconds. Therefore, both solution and solid-state NMR methods are employed that provide complementary information. Here, the main focus is on intrinsically disordered proteins that interact with membranes.