Jacob R. Winnikoff

Energetics of stalk intermediates elucidated from hydrostatic pressure effects on membrane fusion

This paper measures how hydrostatic pressure affects lipid mixing rates during membrane fusion, showing a linear relationship between lipid curvature and energy required for hemifusion stalk formation.

Ether linkages in phospholipids provide modular control of membrane mechanics

The paper shows that ether linkages in phospholipids modulate membrane mechanics and topology through distinct physical mechanisms, explaining their evolutionary conservation and biological roles.

Homeostatic regulation of intrinsic lipid curvature in eukaryotic cells

This study shows eukaryotic cells maintain lipid curvature homeostasis under pressure through metabolic adjustments, with yeast and human cells using different mechanisms.