One student’s experiences

Xavier Mulet – second year PhD student at CBC passes on his experiences

One student’s experience

My research focuses on the membrane curvature properties of phosphatidylinositol (PI), a charged membrane lipid, and its polyphosphorylated derivatives. The behaviour of this phospholipid may be controlled by the actions of different enzymes (kinases and phosphatases), which lead to dramatic modifications in the size of the phosphatidylinositol headgroup.

My work has lead me to spending time in both chemistry and biochemistry laboratories. To be able to visualize the effect of these changes in phosphorylation state upon membrane systems I have developed a novel biomechanical microscope which allows for real time visualisation of stressed vesicles. This is complemented by a wide range of equipment available in our laboratories: x-ray diffraction through to differential scanning calorimetry.

The multidisciplinary nature of the CBC means that I have daily interactions with scientist from a very wide range of backgrounds – from biochemists to theoretical physicists. This diversity leads to an interesting and stimulating working environment. Whilst working within the CBC I have also had the opportunity to perform experiments at the synchrotron radiation facilities in Grenoble (ESRF) and the National Laboratory in Daresbury (SRS).