The long term research focus of our laboratory is biophysics and molecular (patho)physiology of lipid-regulated ion channels and transporters. The group aims at understanding structure-function relations in canonical (C-type) transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels and store-operated (Orai) channels with particular attention to the function of these channel complexes in native tissues and their response to environmental stress. Ongoing projects address the function of TRPC and Orai channels as sensors for lipid mediators.

Recently, we focused on photopharmacological and optochemogenetic approaches. This technology allows for exceptionally high spatiotemporal precision in controlling signaling molecules and is expected to provide deep insight into their function and pathophysiology. Development of lipid photoswitches in the laboratory has paved the way toward understanding lipid recognition and lipid signaling by ion channels. Innovative photopharmacological and optochemogenetic approaches are now available to investigate principles of dysregulation of and maladaptive responses mediated by TRPC channels in native tissues. DK-MCD students utilize novel molecular probes, transgenic animal models and optochemogenetic strategies for in depth investigations of the role of TRPC channels in native endothelial, immune, and cancer cells.

Our laboratory develops and employs molecular tools and experimental strategies to investigate the role of ion channels in native tissues. These approaches include utilization of dominant mutants, novel small molecule modulators, photochromic ligands and chemogenetic strategies for optical control of channel function, complemented by transgenic animal models for in vivo evaluation of (patho)physiologic and therapeutic concepts.