Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The intricate processes that allow biological organisms to function can be studied at the cellular and sub-cellular level. The membrane bilayer is the fatty layer that surrounds the cell and is host to a variety of proteins that are able to regulate cell function. The bilayer acts as the gatekeeper to the passage of molecules from the outside to the inside of the cell. Therefore, the cell membrane provides a physical shield protecting the internal environment crucial for cellular function and facilitates communication required for the survival of an individual cell or organism in response to its environment. Certain organisms, such as plants and fungi, have an additional cell wall composed of sugar polymers that provide structural reinforcement to resist internal turgor pressure and maintain freestanding growth. Both cell membranes and cell walls are interfaces with unique chemistry and physical properties for any given cell type. It is these interfaces in a variety of contexts that are the focus of this proposal. For the many proteins within the cell membrane, their spatial organization and local environment are thought to directly affect their function. Further, these proteins are proposed to help drive cell membrane organization into discrete packets called ""microdomains"". Therefore, we will study the effect of different membrane associated proteins and their effector molecules on the structure of cell membranes either mounted on solid supports or within whole live cells. Further, we will characterize cells by simultaneously probing their surface chemistry, topography and physical properties, allowing us to track cellular changes in response to external stimuli. My research tools offer a unique perspective that will contribute to fundamental knowledge about cellular function. Eventually the research will help elucidate mechanisms at this interface and provide a link between detailed molecular studies and clinical observations.