Hansen Lab (2024)

Over three years at the Hansen Lab, I studied how immune cells interpret and respond to chemical cues in their environment. At the molecular level, I investigated the dynamics of feedback loops that drive communication between phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) lipids, PIP kinases, PIP phosphatases, and Rho-family GTPases at the plasma membrane. To rapidly change the localization and activity of these signaling molecules in immune cells, I utilized optogenetic (light-regulated) protein interactions. I also developed an assay to reconstitute these biochemical reactions on supported lipid bilayers.