This research team investigates the mechanisms and dynamics of cellular communication, including membrane transport along the secretory pathway and along nanotubes between cells.

Of special interest are the following topics:

(i) the early secretory pathway, the function of the intermediate compartment (IC) between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus, and a recently identified Golgi-bypass pathway between the IC and the cell periphery,

(ii) the late secretory pathway with special emphasis on neuronal systems and motor-dependent trafficking,

(iii) a novel intercellular tunnelling nanotube (TNT)-mediated pathway.

Using cell biological techniques in combination with molecular imaging and proteomics as central tools for translational research, we collaborate with clinical researchers to address the emerging roles of these pathways in disease and development.