Rizo lab

The amazing diversity of functions performed by the brain depends on the ability of neurons to communicate with each other through neurotransmitters. We investigate the molecular mechanism of neurotransmitter release using a variety of biophysical approaches, including NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, molecular dynamics simulations and liposome fusion assays. We hope we can contribute to understand some of the mysteries of how the brain works, for instance when we find a fascinating move in a chess game or when we feel bliss listening to Beethoven’s Ninth.

 

We also study the molecular mechanisms of membrane fusion in general, including how lytic granules fuse with the plasma membrane of T-cells to kill cancer cells with the goal of improving cancer immunotherapy.