building a DNA segregation system using the bacterial ParMRC machinery

Project Summary 

I work on synthetic cells, focusing on building a DNA segregation system using the bacterial ParMRC machinery. My research explores the physical properties of ParM and the roles of ParR and parC in this process. To establish a self-sustained synthetic cell cycle, we are developing a system for cell-free expression of ParR and ParM proteins within liposomes, using in vitro transcription–translation. In parallel, we are engineering optogenetic variants of ParR to enable external control of system activity with light. This project combines experimental approaches, such as microscopy and molecular biology, with computational methods for protein design.

TIRF image of wild-type ParMRC system