Units

Structure and Function of Biological Membranes

Person in charge of the Unit : Oui

The laboratory is dedicated to advancing to a better understanding of the structure, function, and role of biological membranes in cells and cellular organelles.  We put a special emphasis on the study of the structure and function of membrane molecules (lipids and proteins) and on the investigation of the mechanism by which these molecules control membrane permeability and cellular functions. We provide a multidisciplinary training and research environment including cell biology, physiology, biochemistry, proteomics, cell and molecular spectroscopy, biophysics and structural bioinformatics. As membrane component s are the targets for most pharmaceutical compounds, our studies include hot topics such as cancer diagnostic and treatment, cholesterol and lipid transport, Alzheimer's disease, cell transfection, heavy metals detoxification. Our group has contributed to the development of methodologies that allow the investigation of the structure-activity relationship of membrane proteins at a molecular scale in a well-defined environment. One of our main purpose is to stimulate and coordinate high-level graduate education in membrane biology, and foster career development of membrane scientists in an environment of research excellence. The laboratory develops Basic and Applied Research projects. Our laboratory belongs to the ''Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Center'' at the University of Brussels, and is member of the ''Structure and Function of Biological Macromolecules, Bioinformatics and Modelling'' graduate college. Our laboratory is also part of several European (Early Stage Training (EST)'' networks.

Projetcs

Design and building of biosensors

We design and set up devices suitable for the investigation of ligand-receptor interactions, in particular for the investigation of an analyte target interaction such as biological and chemical molecules and organic components.  This research is performed in collaboration with the UMH, the ULg and the UCL.

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Structure and mode of action of lung surfactants

Modification in pulmonary surfactant composition is associated to several pathologies : asthma, pneumonia, respiratory distress syndroma. Our objective is to use 2D electrophoresis as a tool to select new protein markers associated or explaining these pathologies.