Our work addresses the fundamental questions underlying how the malfunction of proteins can lead to the deregulation of key cellular processes and the establishment of diseases. Our focus is on studying the malfunction of protein kinases, a specific type of signaling proteins that act as transmitters in cells and govern nearly all biological processes. 

Our research is unravelling new kinase-controlled signaling pathways and identifying the mechanisms that lead to “out of control” signaling, a common cause of cancers and inflammatory disorders. We use our basic research discoveries to develop novel therapeutic strategies to counteract kinase driven diseases.

Research interest

Our lab seeks to understand how the protein kinase family organises complex intracellular communication networks. We are particularly interested in acquiring a deep understanding at the molecular level of the catalysis-independent signalling functions of kinase/pseudokinase scaffold. 

We employ a multidisciplinary approach including kinase biochemistry and biology, structural biology (X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy), assay development, high-throughput screening, proteomics, imaging and chemical biology to gain high-resolution insights into kinase/pseudokinase signaling proteins.