Stefan Lab: Research Projects

The Stefan Laboratory is discovering vital roles of phosphoinositide signaling and inter-organelle communication in the control of membrane bilayer organisation, homeostasis, and repair at the molecular, ultra-structural, and cellular levels.

Plasma Membrane Homeostasis and Repair

The plasma membrane must withstand rapid changes in tension upon exposure to mechanical forces and environmental stresses. We are utilising cross-disciplinary approaches (advanced imaging, biochemical, biophysical, structural, and computational modelling) to determine how cells sense and respond to membrane stress and damage. Our studies are revealing critical roles of phosphoinositide signaling and membrane lipid transport pathways in plasma membrane homeostasis and repair.

Plasma Membrane Asymmetry and Cell Polarity

Phosphoinositide lipids provide spatial landmarks for the recruitment of essential cell polarity factors and thus serve as the penultimate spatial cues in the control of cell polarity. We are discovering unprecedented regulatory mechanisms that direct the asymmetric distribution of these important signaling lipids within the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane.

Inter-Organelle Crosstalk in Epithelial Cell Architecture

We are uncovering how inter-organelle communication controls membrane domain organisation and function in hepatocytes, polarised epithelial cells of the liver. These studies are revealing striking alterations in inter-organelle contacts and membrane organelle morphology as novel hallmarks of hepatocyte pathology in the progression of severe liver disease. We expect our investigations will identify new targets and strategies for the treatment of numerous diseases caused by disruptions in inter-organelle contacts and membrane homeostasis