Integrated Nanostructured Systems

Diagram of a liposomal nanoparticle highlighting the multifunctional capacity. Released to the public domain by Kosi Gramatikoff.

Virus mimicry, protein engineering, membrane protein structure, liposomal protein reconstitution, liposomal targeting for drug delivery, gene therapy and in vivo imaging

The goal of our laboratory is to expand our knowledge of pathogen interactions with cellular membranes by developing a detailed understanding of the role of the plasma membrane as the site of virus entry into the cell. The mechanisms of host-microbe interactions also serve as templates for us for the design of novel drug delivery, gene therapy and in vivo imaging tools.

We are developing innovative liposomal nanoparticles designed to deliver therapeutic agents into the cytosol of targeted cells utilizing direct membrane fusion with the plasma membrane. We are also developing the delivery of engineered protein machines to the cellular membrane. These systems are being targeted to specific cell types by the addition of targeting moieties. It is projected that via this route of protein and nanoparticle engineering, it will be possible to target not only specific cells but to target specific organelles such as the plasma membrane, the nucleus, Golgi apparatus or endoplasmic reticulum. Taking advantage of the design principles of natural processes, we will provide prospective treatments for diverse diseases from viruses to cancer and we will contribute to basic research in membrane protein structure/function and membrane cellular biology.

BSL-3 Laboratory, Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF Microscopy)