How do membrane lipids regulate GPCR signalling? A new study in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology combines single-molecule force spectroscopy with molecular dynamics simulations. It was led by co-first authors Florian, on whose PhD work in our group this study builds, and Kristyna, a former postdoc in our group. The work reveals how β-arrestin2 engages the β2-adrenergic receptor in distinct steps and identifies PIP2 as a key regulator of complex assembly and stability.
A new Perspective in Nature Nanotechnology, co-authored by Krishna Chaitanya Kasuba, Upnishad Sharma, Valentin Gensbittel and Michele M. Nava from our group, presents a roadmap for advancing mechanobiology across molecular, cellular and tissue scales. It calls for multiscale measurement tools, realistic biological models, integrated datasets and predictive frameworks to deepen our understanding of complex living systems and advance mechanodiagnostics and mechanomedicine.
From May 4–7, 2026, we gathered in Orta San Giulio, Italy, for our lab retreat. The retreat provided a valuable opportunity to share project updates, discuss new ideas, and strengthen collaborations within the lab. We were delighted to welcome Reinhard Fässler, Gregory Giannone, Sebastian Hiller, and Nico Strohmeyer, whose contributions enriched the scientific program. Together with the inspiring setting by Lake Orta, the retreat was both productive and enjoyable.
A multidisciplinary study with contributions from our group has been published in Nature Materials and featured on the journal cover. Led by Valentin Gensbittel, first author and postdoctoral researcher in our group, with contributions from Giulia Ammirati, PhD student in our group, the study shows how tumour-cell viscosity influences metastatic spread. The findings highlight the role of biophysical approaches in understanding cancer progression.
How can healthy mitochondria be delivered to the cells that need them? A new study in Nature introduces MitoCatch, a platform for targeted mitochondrial delivery. The work shows that transplanted mitochondria can be taken up by recipient cells and support neuronal survival in models of mitochondrial dysfunction. Upnishad Sharma from our group contributed to the study, helping to characterize interactions between donor mitochondria and recipient cells.