University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · BiochemistryThe Lipid Dynamics Lab
Stephen G. Sligar · Champaign, Illinois
Research Focus
The lab led by Stephen G. Sligar at the University of Illinois focuses on understanding how membrane proteins work within lipid bilayers, which are essential for cell function. By using a special technology called Nanodiscs, which create small, stable environments that mimic natural cellular conditions, the lab explores how these proteins affect processes like hormone production and drug metabolism. This research aims to reveal the intricate mechanisms behind cell signaling and communication, key areas important for health and disease.
membrane proteinsNanodiscsbiochemical pathwayscell signalingdrug metabolismlipid bilayershormone biosynthesiscancer signalingsynaptic junctions
Research Aims
5AIM 01Utilize Nanodiscs to study the function of membrane proteins in their native-like environment.
AIM 02Investigate the biochemical mechanisms of hormone biosynthesis and drug metabolism.
AIM 03Explore the structural properties of membrane proteins involved in cell signaling.
AIM 04Analyze the interactions of proteins with lipid bilayers to understand complex architectures.
AIM 05Develop new methodologies for studying cancer-related signaling pathways.
Skills the Lab Values
protein purificationNanodisc technologybiochemical assaysbiophysical characterizationcell culturedata analysis in protein functionspectroscopy techniquesimmunoblottingmicroscopylipid bilayer assembly
Output against the department
Publications494top 8% of dept.34th of 402
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations40ktop 7% of dept.27th of 402
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.