The overall objective of the Group is to understand how biological systems work under physiological conditions. With this aim we develop and implement both theoretical and experimental methods based on ps-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and two-photon laser excitation microscopy, to provide the required temporal (ps-s) and spatial (submm- nm) resolution: fluorescence intensity (normalized desviation), fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), lifetime (FLIM, FLIM-phasors), energy transfer (FLIM-FRET, FLIM-phasors) and polarization fluorescence (TRAIM and homo-FRET). These are non-invasive quantitative methods that allow us to discriminate and characterize supramolecular structures in different subcellular locations, in very heterogeneous media, with single molecule resolution.

The applications include biomolecular conformational dynamics, organization and interactions of multiprotein complexes, and lipid microdomains distribution, in vitro, in living cells, and tissues.

STRATEGIC AIMS

• Mechanism of action of bioactive compounds: Quantitative characterization of drug-target interactions in the cell membrane and inside the cell.
• Detection, identification, localization and quantification of in vivo cell markers.
• Detection of lipid micro-domains in model membrane systems and living cells, induced by bioactive compounds.
• 3-D organization, conformational dynamics and stoichiometry of multicomponent complexes.
• Spectroscopic characterization of fluorescent materials for biotechnological applications.
• Fundamental Photophysics. Design, synthesis, characterization and applications of emitting molecular probes and fluorescent drugs.