We decode protein phase separation at the synapse.

Our lab investigates protein phase separation and membrane-less organelles at the synapse, deciphering their regulation and impact on neuronal function and disease.

Scientific Scope

Our mission is to unravel the intricate biological regulation of membrane-less organelles at the synapse. Combining in-vitro biochemical studies, cellular phase separation assays and super-resolution imaging in the lamprey reticulospinal giant synapse model we delve into the principles of synapse compartmentalization, neuronal function and dysfunction.

Learn About Our Research

  • Phase separation of alpha-synuclein

    Understanding how VAMP2 and other synaptic proteins regulate alpha-synuclein condensates at the synapse.

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  • Lamprey Giant Synapse Model

    The Lamprey model has gained recognition to study protein phase separation at the synapse.

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  • AI and Membrane-less Organelles

    Predicting LLPS behaviour of synaptic proteins using artificial intelligence and neuronal networks.

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  • Sensing of Membrane-less organelles

    Exploring new methods to measure protein phase separation in time and space.

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Research Output

    • A novel alpha-synuclein G14R missense variant is associated with atypical neuropathological features C Brucke et al. - medRxiv, 2024 Article

    • VAMP2 regulates phase separation of alpha-synuclein A Agarwal et al - Nature Cell Biology, 2024 Article

    • Ordering the disordered S Shammas - VOICES, 2024 Article

    • Protein phase separation hotspots at the presynapseJ Lautenschläger - Open Biology, 2022 Article

    • Intramitochondrial proteostasis is directly coupled to α-synuclein and amyloid β1-42 pathologies J Lautenschläger et al - Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2020 Article

    • Mitochondrial degradation of amyloidogenic proteins - A new perspective for neurodegenerative diseases J Lautenschläger, GS Kaminski Schierle - Progress in Neurobiology, 2019 Article

    • Investigation of mitochondrial calcium uniporter role in embryonic and adult motor neurons from G93AhSOD1 mice V Tadić, A Adam, N Goldhammer, J Lautenschläger et al - Neurobiology of Aging, 2019 Article

    • An easy-to-implement protocol for preparing postnatal ventral mesencephalic cultures J Lautenschläger et al - Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 2018 Article

    • C-terminal calcium binding of α-synuclein modulates synaptic vesicle interaction J Lautenschläger et al - Nature Communications, 2018 Article

    • α-Synuclein - Regulator of Exocytosis, Endocytosis, or both? J Lautenschläger, CF Kaminski, GS Kaminski Schierle - Trends in Cell Biology, 2017 Article

    • Novel computer vision algorithm for the reliable analysis of organelle morphology in whole cell 3D images - A pilot study for the quantitative evaluation of mitochondrial fragmentation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis J Lautenschläger et al - Mitochondrion, 2015 Article

    • The ER mitochondria calcium cycle and ER stress response as therapeutic targets in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis V Tadic, T Prell, J Lautenschlaeger, J Grosskreutz - Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 2014 Article

    • Endoplasmic reticulum stress is accompanied by activation of NF-κB in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis T Prell, J Lautenschläger, L et al - Journal of Neuroimmunology, 2014 Article

    • Overexpression of human mutated G93A SOD1 changes dynamics of the ER mitochondria calcium cycle specifically in mouse embryonic motor neurons J Lautenschläger et al - Experimental Neurology, 2013 Article

    • Calcium-dependent protein folding in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis T Prell, J Lautenschläger, J Grosskreutz - Cell Calcium, 2013 Article

    • Proteome analysis of body fluids for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis biomarker discovery T Krüger, J Lautenschläger, J Grosskreutz, H Rhode - Proteomics Clinical Applications, 2013 Article

    • The unfolded protein response in models of human mutant G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis T Prell, J Lautenschläger et al - European Journal of Neuroscience, 2012 Article

    • Endoplasmic reticulum stress and the ER mitochondria calcium cycle in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis J Lautenschlaeger, T Prell, J Grosskreutz - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, 2012 Article

    • To come: Synuclein Meeting 2025 Cambridge

    • TWIN2PIPSA Workshop 2024 Lisbon

    • Gordon Research Conference Intrinsically Disordered Proteins 2024

    • UK Proteostasis Network Meeting 2024

    • CNS 2023 Cambridge

    • World Parkinson Congress WPC 2023 Barcelona

    • GO PD Goettingen 2023

    • Synuclein Meeting 2022 Leuven

    • Cambridge Festival 2024 - Big Biomedical Campus Day

    • Big Biology Day 2023 - Hills Road Sixth Form College

    • Big Biology Day 2022 - Hills Road Sixth Form College

    • Cambridge Science Festival 2022 - Molecules, Mechanisms and Medicine: life as an early career researcher

 Working with us

If you are interested in working with us, please get in touch. Below you can find some additional information regarding funding in Cambridge.

  • Open Positions for Students - CIMR MPhil/PhD in Medical Science

    ​Are you a self-motivated student with a passion for biology, chemistry, medicine, or physics, interested in molecular neuroscience? If so, we warmly welcome you to join our team and be a part of cutting-edge research and discoveries in this exciting field.

    We currently have open positions for self-motivated students interested in pursuing their Master's or PhD . Whether you are a self-funded or looking for funding opportunities please get in touch.

    Please note that Cambridge funding deadlines are strict. Starting an MPhil or PhD in October you need to apply early January if you require UK funding. So please get in contact well in advance, ideally summer/autumn so we can plan your application and project.

    Relevant course information can be found here:

    MPhil in Medical Science (CIMR) - Link

    Masters in the Molecular Mechanisms of Human Disease - Link

    PhD in Medical Science (CIMR) - Link

    ​Requirements

    • Enthusiasm for Science

    • Self-motivation

    • Collaboration and teamwork

    • Strong academic background

    Please include an up-to-date CV and a brief cover letter outlining your research experience and interests.

    Send your application to jl865@cam.ac.uk.

  • Open Positions for Postdocs and Scientists in Molecular Neuroscience

    Are you a dedicated postdoctoral researcher or an experienced scientist with a strong background in molecular neuroscience? Are you passionate about unravelling the complexities of molecular mechanisms? If so, we invite you to join our team and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries in this exciting field.

    ​As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to conduct independent research, collaborate on projects, and contribute to groundbreaking studies in neuroscience. We offer a stimulating and supportive research environment, encouraging scientific excellence and fostering professional growth.

    Requirements

    • PhD in a relevant field: Ideal candidates should hold a PhD in biology, chemistry, medicine, neuroscience, or a related discipline.

    • Research expertise: A proven track record of research achievements, demonstrated through publications in reputable scientific journals and conferences, is essential.

    • Expertise in molecular techniques: Candidates should possess a solid foundation in molecular biology, cell biology, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, or related disciplines.

    • Analytical and computational skills: Proficiency in data analysis, statistical methods, and bioinformatics tools will be highly valued.

    • Collaborative mindset: We seek individuals who thrive in a collaborative research environment where teamwork, knowledge-sharing, and interdisciplinary collaboration are highly encouraged.

    • Strong communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for presenting research findings, writing grant proposals, and collaborating with team members and external stakeholders.

    Funding Opportunities can be found here:

    International Funding:

    Funding after a Career Break:

    • Daphne Jackson Fellowship

    Funding Finder

    If you are interested in applying for any of these please get in contact to discuss a potential project. Please include an up-to-date CV and a brief cover letter outlining your research experience and interests.

    Send your application to jl865@cam.ac.uk.

  • Uniting BioPharma and Cutting-Edge Academic Research for Breakthrough Discoveries

    We believe in the power of collaboration to unlock groundbreaking discoveries and advance the field of molecular neurosciences. Our lab specializes in studying membrane-less organelles at the synapse. By joining forces, we can combine our strengths and expertise to develop breakthrough treatments, improving patient lives through scientific advancements.

    Benefit from our experience in securing grants and funding. Our team can assist in the development of grant proposals, helping your business secure the necessary resources to conduct innovative research in molecular neurosciences.

  • We strongly believe in the power of science communication and public engagement. We are actively seeking partners who share our passion for molecular neurosciences and public engagement. If you represent a society, organize events, or work in schools, we invite you to reach out and explore possibilities. Let's collaborate to develop initiatives that empower individuals, nurture scientific curiosity, and strengthen the bond between neuroscience research and the public.

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Contact us

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