1. Histone deacetylases and protein acylation
Histone deacetylases regulate acetylation and other acyl modifications on histone and non-histone proteins. These modifications influence gene expression, metabolism, cytoskeletal function, stress responses, and disease-related cellular pathways.
We focus mainly on HDAC6 and HDAC11, two atypical enzymes with distinct cellular localisations, substrate preferences, and biological roles. Using biochemical assays, structural biology, chemical biology, proteomics, metabolomics, and cellular models, we investigate how these enzymes recognize their substrates, how acylation changes protein function, and how selective inhibitors can be used as precise molecular tools.
HDAC11 through evolution Tracing an ancient enzyme family across organisms and cellular compartments.
2. Cytoskeletal regulation and polyglutamylation
The cytoskeleton is a dynamic regulatory system that controls cell shape, intracellular transport, signalling, and mechanical behaviour. We study how cytoskeletal proteins are regulated by post-translational modifications and by interactions with signalling proteins.
A major focus is polyglutamylation, a modification written by tubulin tyrosine ligase-like enzymes. We investigate how TTLL11 modifies microtubules and other protein substrates, how these modifications contribute to the tubulin code and cytoskeletal organisation, and how cytoskeletal proteins interact with signalling molecules such as Dishevelled.
3. PSMA biology and molecular targeting
Prostate-specific membrane antigen is a membrane enzyme and an important molecular marker in prostate cancer. Our laboratory has long-standing expertise in PSMA structure, enzymology, ligand recognition, antibody development, and tissue expression.
We develop and characterize molecular tools that recognize or inhibit PSMA, including small-molecule ligands, fluorescent probes, antibodies, antibody fragments, and other engineered macromolecules. These tools allow us to study PSMA function, visualize PSMA-positive cells and tissues, and explore selective molecular targeting in cancer and other biological contexts.
4. Molecular tools and collaborative structural biology
Many biological questions require well-defined proteins, robust assays, specific binders, and structural insight. We develop such tools for our own research and for selected collaborative projects across cell biology, cancer research, immunology, neuroscience, and biotechnology.
Our expertise includes recombinant protein production, protein engineering, antibody and nanobody-related technologies, enzymatic and cell-based assays, in vitro reconstitution, X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and biophysical characterization.
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