We hypothesized that certain lectins link glycosylated cargo proteins and glycosphingolipids into molecular nanoenvironments from which endocytic pits are formed without the help of the cytosolic clathrin machinery (Figure 1). (science.institut-curie.org)
The Johannes group has made two major contributions in this context: the discovery of a membrane trafficking interface between early endosomes and the Golgi apparatus, and the demonstration that dynamic protein - induced glycosphingolipid reorganization acts as a driving force for membrane invagination in clathrin - independent endocytosis. (science.institut-curie.org)
We have also set out to exploit the specificity of carbohydrate recognition and the ensuing membrane mechanical potential resulting from clustering of glycosphingolipids for the development of innovative therapeutic delivery strategies for the treatment of cancer and infectious disease. (science.institut-curie.org)