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I / Homeostasis · Cellular maintenance · 02
Lipid transport at membrane contacts
How do membranes exchange the material required for growth?
01 / The Central Question
Organelles—specialized structures inside cells—need different combinations of membrane lipids. We study how bridge-shaped proteins move these lipids between nearby membranes.
When the supply of lipids is disrupted, the membranes and organelles inside a cell may stop functioning properly. Some disorders, including certain neurological diseases, are associated with defects in lipid-handling systems; our work examines the underlying physical mechanisms rather than a particular disease.
02 / Mechanisms & Discoveries
How these processes work
Choose a question below to read how the process works, what research has shown and which questions remain open. Each explanation also links to the original papers and press releases.
01 / 03Passing lipids through a bridge between membranesHow can lipids move directly from one membrane to another?Read the explanation02 / 03How lipids enter and leave a transport bridgeWhat controls lipid entry and exit at each end of a bridge?Read the explanation03 / 03Coordinating lipid exchange where membranes meetHow do neighboring proteins work together where two membranes approach?Read the explanation