Flippases are enzymes that move fats called lipids through cell membranes. This process is essential for maintaining the plant cell's structure, but researchers still know surprisingly little about how this critical mechanism works.
"I’m a chemist, so what really fascinates me are molecules. Lipids are particularly intriguing because they are not soluble in water like most other molecules in living organisms. The cell uses their unique properties to isolate itself from the environment. Therefore, proteins like flippases that work with these small, invisible molecules can make a huge difference for cell survival."
In her new role, she will draw on her background and experience to further understand flippases. Plants use flippases to transport lipids, which changes the properties of cell membranes and allow plants to adapt to their environments. By understanding their fundamental function, we can better modify it, allowing us to create plants that are more resilient to climate change.
"Our goal is to modify cell membranes to create more resilient plants. Climate challenges will become extreme, with both too cold and too hot conditions, as well as an increasing number of pathogens. We need plants that are better equipped to defend themselves against these aggressions and adapt. Work with cell membranes may still be a small area, but it’s becoming an essential piece of the puzzle."
