Membranes and their composing lipids play essential roles in cellular function. They define the boundaries of cells and organelles, and support critical processes such as metabolism, signalling, and transport. The physical properties of biological membranes are crucial to maintaining their barrier function and enabling membrane protein activity. These biophysical properties are largely determined by lipid composition. As a result, cells must carefully regulate membrane lipid composition to support these functions.
I am working with Dr Toon de Kroon and his research group to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the homeostatic regulation of membrane lipid composition in yeast. Originally trained as a plant biologist, I am specialized in studying membranes as dynamic platforms where lipids and proteins interact, which facilitates signalling and adaptation to environmental changes, particularly in response to temperature fluctuations.