Emma Sparr

Short Biography

Emma Sparr is a professor of physical chemistry and colloidal biology at Lund University, Sweden. She is the director of the COMMONS Center of Excellence with the overarching aim to provide a multifaceted scientific environment focusing on unifying physicochemical processes of key importance for the function of cellular membranes and their effects on other biomolecules. Emma Sparr has over many years studied lipid membranes, lipid self-assembly and lipid-protein interactions. Her research is focused on applying physical chemistry principles to biological system, and the experimental studies include both well-controlled model systems and biological samples with complex compositions.

AMBER postdoctoral fellowship subject (second call)

Membrane-induced liquid-liquid phase separation

Biomolecular condensation driven by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is emerging as an essential process in cellular compartmentalization. In this project we will investigate generic mechanisms for how biomembranes may induce and interact with protein condensates. The specific questions addressed are 1) What are the molecular factors governing membrane-induced LLPS?  2)  How is membrane-induced LLPS modulated by membrane properties and membrane-protein interactions? 3)  Will clustering of certain lipid or protein components in the membrane serve as a nucleation site for LLPS?  4) What are the functional consequences of membrane-induced LLPS?  Will wetting of the membrane with liquid protein condensates lead to membrane reshaping and reorganization? The project will include a wide range of methods such as optical and electron microscopy, single-molecule fluorescence methods, microfluidic approaches and scattering methods.

The research project takes place within the COMMONS Center of Excellence. The overarching aim of COMMONS is to provide a multifaceted scientific environment focusing on unifying physicochemical processes of key importance for the function of cellular membranes and their effects on other biomolecules.  The COMMONS Center is led by a group of PI’s from the participating Universities (Emma Sparr, Sara Linse, Fredrik Höök, Martin Malmsten) whom together with additional scientists and guest professors within COMMONS will guide the projects and the training of the recruited postdocs towards leading academic or industrial research positions. A successful candidate should have a strong background in physical chemistry and/or biophysics, including successful experimental methodology development and a desire to address fundamental scientific questions.

Impact of Nanoparticle Binding on Lipid Redistribution and Membrane Deformation in Cellular Membranes

The uptake of biomolecules that do not spontaneously cross cellular membranes relies on intricate signaling cascades triggered on contact between the biomolecule and receptor elements in the cell membrane. Examples include signaling via extracellular vesicles, viral infections, as well as drug delivery, particularly when mediated by nanoparticle carriers. While complex in nature, these processes are believed to share common denominators in that they all alter the energy landscape of the cellular membrane, causing lipid redistribution and membrane remodeling to occur in parallel to nanoparticle uptake. Cell membrane mimics based on supported lipid bilayers provide particularly powerful tools to investigate such effects. In this project, we will therefore explore membrane mimics of increasing complexity in combination with nanoparticles designed for the delivery of mRNA and proteins to combat disease. Using state-of-the-art imaging in combination with neutron-based techniques, we will investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of all key steps of cell internalization, from the initial contact between nanoparticles and cellular membranes to subsequent lipid redistribution, membrane wrapping, uptake, and release. Emphasis will be placed on membrane compositions representing: (i) the outer plasma membrane, where initial contact occurs, and (ii) the gradually maturing endosomal membrane, which must be traversed for successful intracellular drug delivery to the cytosol. By also exploring different supporting substrates with minimal impact on the physicochemical properties of the cell membrane mimics, we envision that this project will provide new insights of utmost importance for the design of next-generation drug delivery vehicles, especially in the context of gene therapies.

The research project takes place within the COMMONS Center of Excellence. The overarching aim of COMMONS is to provide a multifaceted scientific environment focusing on unifying physicochemical processes of key importance for the function of cellular membranes and their effects on other biomolecules.  The COMMONS Center is led by a group of PI’s from the participating Universities (Emma Sparr, Sara Linse, Fredrik Höök, Martin Malmsten) whom together with additional scientists and guest professors within COMMONS will guide the projects and the training of the recruited postdocs towards leading academic or industrial research positions. A successful candidate should have a strong background in physical chemistry or biophysics, including a desire to address fundamental scientific questions.

Location: Lund, Sweden

Organisation: Lund University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology

Links

AMBER call in EURAXESS main call (starting point for application)

Guide for applicants

Emma Sparr's profile in Lund University Research portal

Physical Chemistry's profile in Lund University Research portal

Info about employment at Lund University