The normal functioning of cells is largely under the control of a complex network of macromolecular interactions. These in turn are mediated through a limited set of physico-chemical reactions, namely conformational transition, binding, and covalent modification. Our laboratory develops and applies innovative fluorescence microscopy techniques that enable us to see molecules in action inside living cells. 

We devise assays that allow us to track a molecule when it adopts a particular shape or when it interacts specifically with another molecule.  We are interested in where a molecule resides in the cell, where it gets relocated in response to a stimulus and how fast it gets there.  We aim to relate fundamental changes in a molecules properties (shape, association and dynamics) with its mechanism of action in the cell.  In turn we want to understand how the mechanism of action of a molecule changes in cancer.    

These themes are being explored to study the molecular initiation of growth-factor mediated signaling and EGF transmembrane association in model raft membranes. In addition to the specific projects undertaken by the laboratory, we are actively involved in collaborations both locally and internationally.