Advanced Microscopy of Lipids in Virus Assembly and Entry

This project leverages super-resolution MINFLUX and STED microscopy, in conjunction with custom-designed fluorescent probes, to investigate lipid membrane dynamics and mechanics. A profound understanding of mechanisms such as the reorganization of local membrane fluidity and lipid heterogeneity during cellular events is paramount for comprehending fundamental cellular processes, including membrane protein organization, interactions, and signal transduction. Employing model membranes, live cells, and virus-like particles, this research investigates the impact of lipid labels and membrane compositions on lipid diffusion behavior, as well as membrane ordering, Spike–receptor mobility, and molecular interaction dynamics during enveloped virus host-cell entry and assembly, with a particular focus on SARS-CoV-2.

PhD start: 06/01/2025