Molecular basis of lipid traffic at interorganelle contact sites

Biological membranes are crucial to the function of a cell. They tightly separate the interior of the cell from the external world and compartmentalise the cell by binding several substructures in the cell, called organelles. Membranes are mostly constituted of stacked lipid molecules. Although as crucial for life as DNA or proteins, lipids are much less studied and understood. While we know where lipids are made, we do not understand how they reach the cell membrane and that of many organelles. 

I will develop innovative tools to address lipid transport at the genetic and biochemical level. 

These studies will uncover the mechanisms for the distribution of lipid molecules necessary for the healthy function of the cell.