© Michael Kuhlmann

Research Topics

Our lab investigates the cellular, molecular, and functional aspects of epithelial biology, with a focus on how epithelial barriers are established and remodeled during developmental and physiological processes. Using Drosophila as an accessible in vivo model system, we combine genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology, and quantitative imaging to dissect cell behaviors underlying the formation and remodeling of cell-cell contacts, with a focus on tricellular junctions (TCJs) in epithelial organs. We focus on investigating how actomyosin and adhesion complexes are remodeled at cell vertices to regulate epithelial permeability. We also develop tools to visualize and acutely manipulate intracellular trafficking of transmembrane and secreted proteins in vivo. Principles learned from these studies in Drosophila provide a conceptual framework for understanding epithelial tissue dynamics in more complex vertebrate systems.

Selected Publications

  • Jacobs, T., Isasti Sanchez, J., Reger, S., and Luschnig, S. (2025). Rho/Rok-dependent regulation of actomyosin contractility at tricellular junctions restricts epithelial permeability in Drosophila. Current Biology 35(6): 1181-1196. doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2025.01.043.

  • Schleutker, R., and Luschnig, S. (2024). Palmitoylation of proteolipid protein M6 promotes tricellular junction assembly in epithelia of Drosophila. Journal of Cell Science, 137(6): jcs261916. doi.org/10.1242/jcs.261916.
  • Glashauser, J.*, Camelo, C.*, Hollmann, M., Backer, W., Jacobs, T., Isasti Sanchez, J., Schleutker, R., Förster, D., Berns, N., Riechmann, V., and Luschnig, S. (2023). Acute manipulation and real-time visualization of membrane trafficking and exocytosis in Drosophila. Developmental Cell 58(8): 709-723.e7. doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2023.03.006. *: co-first authors.
  • Isasti-Sanchez, J., Münz-Zeise, F., Lancino, M., and Luschnig, S. (2021). Transient opening of tricellular vertices controls paracellular transport through the follicle epithelium during Drosophila oogenesis. Developmental Cell 56, 1083-1099.e5. doi.org/10.1016/j.devcel.2021.03.021.
  • Wittek, A., Hollmann, M., Schleutker, R., and Luschnig, S. (2020). The transmembrane proteins M6 and Anakonda cooperate to initiate tricellular junction assembly in epithelia of Drosophila. Current Biology (30): 4254–4262.e4255. doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2020.08.003.