Molecular Mechanisms of Intracellular Trafficking
Dr. Vytautė Starkuvienė
We aim to uncover how the precise spratial and temporal regulation of intracellular trafficking is achieved. Intracellular trafficking ensures the distribution of newly synthesized and internalized molecules to their appropriate subcellular sites for action or degradation, thereby maintaining tissue homeostasis. Additionally, we aim to determine how its deregulation contributes to disease and accelerates aging. To address thesequestions, we employ a broad array of techniques, including high-content microscopy-based assays, 2D and 3D cellular models, RNAi, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, and antibody-mediated loss-of-function approaches.
Research Strategy
As part of a collaborative effort (Erfle group), we have developed quantitative cell-based assays and high-content imaging techniques, enabling the identification and characterisation of numerous novel trafficking regulators. To achieve an integrative, multi-scale understanding of molecular trafficking mechanisms, we focus on studying the principles of endocytosis in 3D cell cultures. In collaboration with data modeling groups (Kummer and Sahle group), we aim to build predictive models of cargo diffusion, internalization, and endosomal release, enhancing our ability to characterize trafficking processes in disease-relevant contexts and drug action.


Dr. Vytautė Starkuvienė-Erfle
- +49 (0)6221 54-51259
- vytaute.starkuviene@bioquant.uni-heidelberg.de
- BioQuant, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, Room 204a
- Find more information here
Selected Publications
Jian Zhang, Vytaute Starkuviene, Holger Erfle, Zhaohui Wang, Manuel Gunkel, Ziwei Zeng, Carsten Sticht, Kejia Kan, Nuh Rahbari & Michael Keese
Scientific Reports volume 12, Article number: 3498 (2022)
Shijie Liu, Waqar Majeed, Pranas Grigaitis, Matthew J. Betts, Leslie K. Climer, Vytaute Starkuviene & Brian Storrie
Front Cell Dev Bio. 2019
Facile One Step Formation and Screening of Tumor Spheroids Using Droplet-Microarray Platform
Anna A Popova, Tina Tronser, Konstantin Demir, P Haitz, Karolina Kuodyte, Vytaute Starkuviene, Piotr Wajda & Pavel A Levkin
Small.2019 Jun;15(25):e1901299