solimena group
Ron Dirkx
Membrane Microdomains in ICA512 Signaling
ICA512 is an integral membrane protein of insulin-containing secretory granules. Its cytoplasmic domain is cleaved at the plasma membrane upon granule exocytosis by Calpain-1, a calcium-dependent cysteine protease. The resulting cytosolic fragment has been shown to play a role in the upregulation of granule biogenesis.Ron's work focuses on how the lipid environment of the plamsa membrane facilitates ICA512 cleavage during insulin secretion. He is currently applying single molecule in vivo imaging techniques to investigate in real time the dynamics of ICA512 cleavage, with particular emphasis on the role of membrane microdomains. These experiments are conducted in collaboration with the laboratory of Petra Schwille (Biophysics, the Biotechnology Center of Dresden University).
In addition, Ron is adapting a novel procedure for the purification of secretory granules for a comprehensive proteomic and lipidomic survey of beta cell insulin granule membranes.
Contact details:
ron.dirkx {at} mailbox.tu-dresden.de
+49 (0)351 458.6621