Nuclear and Plasma Membrane Repair by Annexins

Thermoplasmonics is used to make a nanoscopic hole in a cell membrane. An infrared laser is focused on a plasmonic gold nanoparticles which heats locally to disrupt the membrane.
Annexin 4 is a convex shaped proteins which binds preferentially to cuved membranes and also has the ability to curve membrane. Trimerization of the protein amplifies its function drastically.

We investigate how cells respond to membrane damage and how annexins contribute to membrane remodeling and repair. Our approach connects live-cell observations with controlled experiments in model membranes.

Using localized thermoplasmonic damage and fluorescence microscopy, we follow the recruitment of repair-associated proteins to membrane lesions. Complementary vesicle experiments allow us to examine how protein binding and membrane shape influence the response to injury.

A particular interest is how annexins, including annexin A4 and annexin A5, interact with curved membranes and contribute to the physical processes involved in repair.

Together with collaborators, we are extending localized membrane-perturbation approaches to investigate nuclear-envelope damage and the cellular response. This work links membrane mechanics with the maintenance of cellular and nuclear integrity.