Chromatin structure

Using single-molecule optical and AFM imaging and force-spectroscopy techniques, we seek to unravel the mechanistic aspects of the structure and dynamics of chromosomes. Our research interests include:

SMC proteins for DNA loop extrusion

Studying DNA loop extrusion by SMC proteins for chromosome architecture with single-molecule assays.

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DNA supercoiling

Single molecule studies of DNA supercoil-protein interactions.

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Bacterial chromosome organization

Understanding fundamental processes regulating the spatial and dynamic organisation of the DNA in live cells.

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Genome in a box

We aim to build chromosomes from the bottom up, starting from bare DNA in a box.

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Bacterial biophysics and bottom up biology

Our group studies bacterial cell division and is aiming to constitute a ‘bottom up biology’ in synthetic cells that can autonomously divide. Our main interest lies in cell division, chromatin structure, and spatial control. We use nanofabricated microfluidic structures to pattern spatial boundaries for bacteria and biomimetic vesicles with reconstituted protein networks and this assess the fundamental role of spatial confinement at the molecular and cellular level. Our projects include the following:

Synthetic cells on chip

Bottom-up approach to realize synthetic cells using microfluidics.

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Synthetic cell division

Bottom-up approach to achieve autonomous cell division with biomolecules in synthetic cells.

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Bacterial cell division

Investigating the physical mechanisms of division in live bacterial cells.

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Min protein spatial control

We study spatiotemporal patterns formed by the Min protein system in confinements.

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Nanopores

Nanopores represent an elegant and versatile tool to measure single molecules. We research novel detection modes with solid-state nanopores as well as various ways to measure proteins with nanopores. Projects encompass the following:

Optical nanopores

Optical nanopores for next generation of biomolecule sensing.

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Double nanopores

Using two nanopores, we aim to set up a tug of war on DNA and floss it back and forth.

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Graphene nanodevices

Studying graphene pores and gaps for sensing biomolecules.

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Biomimetic nuclear pore complexes

Nanopore-mimics of the import and export of biomolecules through the nuclear pore complex.

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Protein sequencing with nanopores

Using nanopores to fingerprint and sequence proteins at the single-molecule level.

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Protein dynamics with nanopores

Using DNA origami and nanopores for a high-bandwidth protein dynamics detector.

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Nanopore-powered DNA-based nanomotor

Using DNA nanotechnology to build a rotary motor.

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Diagnostics for neglected diseases

We develop point-of-care diagnostics test of neglected tropical diseases within resource-limited settings, based on Crspr/Cas9 detecting of pathogen’s DNA in body fluids.

Point-of-care diagnostics of neglected tropical diseases within resource-limited settings

CRISPR/Cas technology coupled to a colorimetric readout will enable self-diagnosing.

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CRISPR/Cas and split enzymes as a simple test for viral infections

Split enzymes with a colorimetric readout enable simple and sensitive genotyping.

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