UA Biophysics:Membrane Dynamics
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MEMBRANE BIOPHYSICSSummaryWe have developed a multi-approach strategy involving spectroscopy and microscopy techniques to explore how the physical properties of cell membranes influence a variety of physiological mechanisms that range from cell signaling to membrane mechanical properties. Techniques• Fluorescence spectroscopy - ISS PC1 Spectrofluorometer Current projects• Nanomechanical properties of supported lipid bilayers in presence of the antimicrobial peptide Magainin-H2 using AFM - PhD student: Nathaly Marín-Medina Ancient projects• Influence of lipid domain formation and membrane structure on PLA2 activity. This hydrolytic enzyme is highly sensitive to the physical properties of the bilayer membrane. We explore how the modulation of membrane lateral organization can act as a regulator of the enzyme. • Physical properties of bacterial membranes and their influence on the susceptibility of bacterial populations towards antibacterial agents. • Modeling the motion of giant uniilamellar vesicles interacting with surfaces (an experimental and computational project in collaboration with Dr. Andres Gonzalez in Mechanical Engineering) • Modulating membrane fusion through the activity of hydrolytic enzymes and membrane active peptides. • Modeling the effects of rhodopsin organization in regulating the dynamics of single photon response. Documents• Propiedades mecánicas de membranas como factor de resistencia a péptidos antimicrobiales (Lipid membrane mechanical properties as a resistance factor to antimicrobial peptide resistance) - Master thesis 2014 - Student: Paula Santisteban, Advisor: Chad Leidy • Adaptation of the level of lipid chain order and elastic properties of bacterial membranes as a mechanism for inducing resistance to amphiphilic antimicrobial peptides - Master thesis 2012 - Student: Diego Alejandro Ramirez, Advisor: Chad Leidy |
