Decoding and Reprogramming Transmembrane Signaling

How does a molecular event outside the cell trigger a precise response inside it?

Our laboratory studies the structural and molecular mechanisms by which transmembrane receptors transmit information across the lipid bilayer. We focus on the T cell receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and integrins—three systems representing immune recognition, growth-factor signaling, and cell–matrix communication.

Receptor states
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Mechanism↔
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Molecular control

By integrating structural biology, membrane-protein biochemistry, cell signaling, protein engineering, and native-membrane reconstitution, we aim not only to visualize receptor states, but also to understand—and ultimately redesign—the molecular logic of receptor activation and inhibition.

Our research

01T cell receptorEarly mechanisms of immune-receptor activation02EGFRHow seven ligands produce different signals03IntegrinsBidirectional biochemical and mechanical signaling04Native membranesReceptor structure in physiological lipid environments05Antibody and binder designFrom receptor structure to functional control

We uncover how receptors transmit information across native membranes and use structural mechanisms to engineer signaling, antibodies, and targeted delivery.