About us

At our team, we are passionate about neuroscience and protein phase separation. We are motivated by the potential for these fields to unlock a deeper understanding of the brain and the mechanisms that govern its function. Our curiosity drives us to explore the molecular processes that underlie the formation and regulation of membrane-less organelles.

Our Team Members

Our team brings together a wealth of expertise and experience to drive our mission. Explore the profiles below to learn more about the individuals who collaborate passionately to achieve our goals in unravelling the biological regulation of synaptic membrane-less organelles.

  • Group Leader

    Dr Janin Lautenschläger is a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Research Fellow and Principal Investigator at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR). With a strong foundation in neuroscience, she is driven by a passion to understand the intricate mechanisms that govern protein function in both health and disease.

    After launching her academic journey at the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Germany, Dr Lautenschläger pursued postdoctoral research in Cambridge, supported by a prestigious German Research Foundation Fellowship. Her groundbreaking work explores how membrane-less organelles form and how phase separation affects neuronal function, particularly focusing on the complex, dynamic environment of the synapse.

    A key discovery from her lab identified VAMP2 as a crucial regulator of alpha-synuclein phase separation - highlighting the delicate interplay between synaptic proteins and offering fresh insights into neurodegenerative processes. By delving deeper into these protein interactions, her research aims to unlock new therapeutic strategies to combat diseases such as Parkinson's.

    Her lab is pioneering the study of synaptic proteins in vivo using the unique lamprey reticulospinal synapse model, a powerful system that reveals the spatial and temporal organization of sub-synaptic compartments. They also incorporate advanced bioinformatics to examine membrane-less organelles across the entire synaptome, offering a holistic view of synaptic architecture. This interdisciplinary approach promises to revolutionize our understanding of synapses and inspire innovative treatment options for neurodegenerative disorders.

  • Postdoctoral Scientist

    Dr Aishwarya obtained her PhD from the IISER Mohali where she worked on protein phase separation of prion protein. Dr Agarwal joined the group in 2022 working on the regulation of alpha-synuclein phase separation, VAMP2 and lipid membrane models.

  • Postdoctoral Scientist

    Dr Aswathy Chandran obtained her PhD from the University of Purdue working on alpha-synuclein. She joined the lab in 2023 establishing iPSC derived model to study the role of alpha-synuclein condensates at the synapse.

  • PhD in Medical Science

    Sicheng Han is undertaking an PhD at the CIMR investigating alpha-synuclein phase separation at the lamprey reticulospinal giant synapse performing expansion microscopy.

  • MPhil student

    Shiyue Chen joined the lab as a MPhil student working on the role of alpha-synuclein phosphorylation during VAMP2-mediated phase separation.

  • If you are interested in working with us, please get in touch.

Group Alumni

  • Silvano Bond

    Visiting Student, 2023

  • Irina-Maria Ungureanu

    MPhil Student, University of Cambridge, 2022-2023

  • Jade Vallin

    Intership University Paris-Cité, 2024

Testimonials

  • "My 5-month research internship at Lautenschlager Lab was incredibly rewarding. Initially uncertain about pursuing further studies after my master’s, I now feel confident about continuing with a PhD, thanks to Dr. Lautenschlager and her team. Dr. Lautenschlager significantly helped me enhance my presentation and scientific writing skills, always offering guidance. The lab's welcoming and supportive environment, combined with its engaging projects, made the experience both intense and fulfilling."

    Jade Vallin

  • "As an undergraduate summer student, my two months in this lab have provided valuable hands-on research experience, from doing in vitro protein experiments to analysing data and discussing the results in group seminars. I am grateful for the detailed guidance and support from Dr Lautenschlager and her team throughout my time here, and how lucky I was to study in such a friendly environment where my ideas and thoughts are considered, and questions are encouraged to be asked."

    Tianhao Wang