Top content

Molecular Cell Biophysics

Juniorprof. Dr. rer. nat. Katia Cosentino

Contact details

The Cosentino group aims to understand the molecular mechanisms of membrane pore formation by pore forming proteins (PFPs), a big class of proteins with crucial functions in infection, immunity, cancer and neurodegeneration. Specifically, we focus on PFPs involved in apoptosis and pyroptosis, two therapeutically relevant regulated cell death processes. To dissect the spatio-temporal assembly of membrane pores we apply several biophysical approaches, including quantitative single molecule imaging.

Research topics

• Spatio-temporal assembly of Gasdermins pores in pyroptosis
• Modulation of Gasdermin pore formation by the membrane environment
• Crosstalk between apoptosis and pyroptosis
• Modulation of cell death outcome

Model systems

• Protein reconstitution in artificial membrane systems (i.e. liposomes, supported lipid bilayers, nanodiscs)
• Mammalian cells endogenously or transiently expressing PFPs
• Isolated organelles and supported plasma membranes

Methods

• Expression and purification of fluorescently-labeled PFPs
• Activity and permeability assays of PFPs and cofactors
• Chemical or optogenetic activation of regulated cell death
• Single molecule fluorescence imaging and super resolution microscopy
• Stoichiometric analysis of protein complexes
• Atomic force microscopy and spectroscopy