Research
Meet the neighbours
Architecture of redox-relay signaling complexes
The molecular details of how H2O2 serves as a signaling molecule are still one big mystery. Peroxiredoxins (Prdxs), initially described as H2O2 scavengers, have a high cellular abundance, and have been shown to play an important role in redox-relay signaling. Prdxs can transfer H2O2-derived oxidative equivalents via a redox-relay to target proteins. While the chemistry is clear, it remains unclear how Prdxs recognize their target proteins as well as how Prdxs structurally position themselves for an effective oxidative transfer. The Messens lab studies the overall composition and the organization of these complexes.
Make the invisible visible
Artificial proteins for metabolite tracing
Understanding intracellular signaling by metabolites requires tools that enable real-time visualization of metabolite trafficking in living cells at subcellular resolution. Current mass spectrometry–based “omics” approaches do not provide this capability.
To overcome this limitation, we develop advanced protein-based biosensors. These sensors exploit naturally evolved transcription factors with intrinsic metabolite specificity and are genetically engineered to incorporate a fluorescent protein that provides a real-time readout. In the Messens Lab, we combine these innovative biosensors with state-of-the-art tools for detecting and manipulating H₂O₂, allowing us to investigate the complex crosstalk between H₂O₂ and metabolic pathways. This strategy provides unprecedented insight into cellular metabolic signaling.