Understanding how proteins move and interact is essential to unravel the molecular basis of devastating diseases. Proteins are not only key regulators of biological functions but also central players in infections, mediating pathogen entry and cellular defense mechanisms. Deciphering their structure and dynamics is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic strategies.

​

Our interdisciplinary research combines X-ray crystallography, protein engineering, biophysics, and bioinformatics to explore the three-dimensional structure of proteins and their interactions with ligands and partners. Using cutting-edge serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) at X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs), we capture snapshots of protein motions at the atomic level. These snapshots are the foundation for creating "molecular movies" that reveal how proteins function in real time—knowledge that paves the way for the design of more effective, affordable treatments.