SynCell-nExUs Supervisors

Iván López Montero is an Associate Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid and head of the Mitochondrial Membranes Lab. His research integrates membrane biophysics, protein and lipid biochemistry and soft matter physics to investigate the dynamics, self-assembly and function of mitochondrial proteins reconstituted in artificial lipid systems. His expertise includes biomimetic membranes, non-equilibrium membrane processes, advanced biophysical characterization, with a particular focus on the physical principles governing mitochondrial membrane organization and protein–lipid interactions.

”My research focuses on reconstructing mitochondrial functions in biomimetic membrane systems to uncover the physical principles governing membrane organization and dynamics. Using synthetic lipid membranes, we have successfully reconstituted ATP synthase, mitochondrial respiratory complexes and mitofusin 2, revealing the reciprocal interplay between membrane mechanics, lipid composition and curvature, and the assembly, activity and function of mitochondrial proteins. These achievements provide a strong foundation for the SynCell-nExUs program, in which we aim to elucidate how protein activity drives non-equilibrium self-assembly in membrane-bound systems, providing fundamental insights into the emergence, organization and adaptive behavior of life-like synthetic compartments.”

For more information, visit the Mitochondrial Membranes Lab.