Protein-membrane interactions and protein-protein recognition within the membrane milieu are of fundamental importance to fully comprehend a wide range of cellular processes in all organisms. About 40% of all genes in the mammalian genome transcribe membrane proteins.
Using a multidisciplinary approach, which includes peptide chemistry, molecular genetics, biochemistry, biophysics, and in-vivo studies, we are studying three types of membrane proteins, with respect to their role in diseases. By studying a variety of biological systems we are able to extract general rules underlining most types of protein-membrane interactions. These studies led us to discover and refine mechanisms of action of membrane proteins involved in infectious diseases; namely, microbial and viral infections, as well as in cancer.
