Locher Lab

Molecular Mechanisms of Membrane Proteins Catalyzing Active Transport and N-linked Glycosylation

We investigate the structures and mechanisms of various membrane proteins. Our main focus is on active transport proteins that catalyze processes such as nutrient uptake, drug extrusion, or lipid flipping. A more recent topic is the study of N-linked glycosylation, catalyzed by the membrane-integral oligosaccharyltransferase. Our goal is to assemble molecular "movies" of these reactions by combining high resolution structures of the proteins, obtained by X-ray crystallography, with biochemical and biophysical studies. For a description of ongoing projects, please check out "Research."

Pictures of recent research

Joining the Locher lab:

Highly motivated researchers who wish to join the group as postdocs, PhD or Master students should have an interest in the structure and mechanism of membrane proteins. Projects in the group range from structure determination to biochemical and biophysical studies. Please check out "Job opportunities".