Units

Structure and Function of Biological Membranes

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

Characterization of the RND systems involved in the bacterial mechanisms of heavy metal resistance.

The objective of this research is to study at the molecular level the binding and the specific transport of heavy metal ions across the membrane complex formed by the three proteins constituting a HME-RND system (Heavy Metal Efflux-RND). This research is based on structural and functional studies and uses a combination of biochemical, physico-chemical and molecular biological approaches.

Proteomics

Identification by mass spectrometry of proteins expressed during cellular environment modification after separation by two-dimensional eletrophoresis or capillary chromatography (e.g. bacteria associated with polluted biotopes, resistant cells). Expression and characterization of the structure-activity relationship of these proteins.

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.