Unveiling the Nanoscale Secrets of Tight Junctions with Super-Resolution Microscopy

Biological membranes are intricate composites of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates that play a critical role in cellular function. Our research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms by which these molecular components self-organize into mesoscale complexes. These complexes govern essential processes such as adhesion, cellular polarization, signal transduction, and sensing, which are fundamental to the morphogenesis of cells and tissues. To achieve a comprehensive understanding, we employ an interdisciplinary approach that combines advanced techniques in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, genetics, and molecular biology. High-resolution fluorescence and electron microscopy further enable us to visualize and analyze these dynamic processes at unparalleled detail.