The research in our group is multidisciplinary in nature, spanning the biological, chemical and physical sciences. This diversity is all linked by two core topics which intersect repeatedly in the individual research topics
The study of cellular secretion
Probing molecular form and function with light
It is very easy to answer many of these fundamental biological questions; you just look at the thing!
Cellular secretion
We have been actively researching the molecular processes of secretion for many years. Originally this centred on protein biochemistry studies in vitro. However, with advances in microscopy many of these experiments can be studied in vivo using advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques. Using a combination of super-resolution single molecule imaging and functional spectroscopy we are analysing the molecular organisation and interactions of secretory proteins in living cells with unparalleled resolution.
Observing cellular processes with light
The development of super-resolution microscopy has revolutionised our approach to studying cellular events. The availability of molecular resolution data has provided new opportunities but also provided challenges in terms of sample preparation, data storage and analysis. We are currently working on new labelling technologies to maximise the benefits of dSTORM and PALM. Storage of thee large datasets is fully secured and permits open access sharing of data. On the analysis front we have developed and continue to develop new methods for pst localisation analysis and tracking.
Manipulating biological function with light
In addition to observing biological functions we also want to be able to manipulate them using light. This is an exciting area of research for us both at the biological research level and in terms of technology development. This area of research will be covered in more detail as soon as we can.
Novel camera technologies
In addition to observing biological functions we also want to be able to manipulate them using light. This is an exciting area of research for us both at the biological research level and in terms of technology development. This area of research will be covered in more detail as soon as we can.