Transmembrane Signaling - Skiniotis Laboratory
Receptors positioned at the cell’s surface have evolved to recognize a wide variety of extracellular signals and translate them into specific biochemical outputs within the cell. We are interested in developing a mechanistic understanding of signal translation at the cell membrane using structural biology, biochemistry and simulation methods to reconstruct a dynamic view of the protein complexes carrying out these processes. Our current work revolves around different types of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of receptors in mammals that regulate countless aspects of human physiology, from vision and taste to regulation of neurotransmission and heart rate. We also often venture into other biological areas where we apply our experimental mindset and tools to understand intriguing problems.