Membrane Fusion

Membrane fusion is important in cell entry by viral pathogens, intracellular membrane trafficking, and exocytosis during synaptic transmission. Several investigators at UVa are studying membrane fusion and its prevention in virus infection and in neurotransmitter release. Defects in neurotransmitter release lead to multiple neurological and neuro degenerative diseases including epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, schizophrenia, and mood disorders.

Faculty Members: David Cafiso, David Castle, Carl Creutz, Peter Kasson, Owen Pornillos, Christopher Stroupe, Lukas Tamm, Judith White

Research Faculty: Jeff Ellena, Barbie Ganser-Pornillos, Volker Kiessling, Binyong Liang