My laboratory elucidates mechanisms by which cellular machines regulate membrane trafficking. We employ a truly multidisciplinary approach that combines genetic screens and live imaging in the roundworm, Caenorhabditis elegans, with protein biochemistry and structural biology. We recently discovered that a conserved class of membrane-associated proteins initiate endocytosis by converting the AP2 clathrin adaptor complex to an active conformation. Currently, we are working out how another class of highly conserved proteins are acting as negative regulators of the endocytic machinery. Ongoing projects will identify additional mediators of endocytosis and determine their function at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Our long-term goal is to understand how the endocytic machinery influences the form and function of multicellular systems such as tissues and organs. We also aim to expand our repertoire of structural biology approaches via collaborations within the department.