Monika Kluzek, PhD

Group Leader

Laboratory of Bacteria Membrane Biophysics
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-2447-699X

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Research interests

Membrane remodeling at the bacteria interface

Bacteria, far from being solitary organisms, engage in sophisticated communication networks essential for their survival. These intricate interactions play a pivotal role in bacterial behavior, influencing biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and host-microbe relationships. At the core of this cellular dialogue lies membrane-related signaling, where bacteria exchange information through membrane vesicles (MVs) and nanotubular (NTs) structures. This exchange requires precise membrane remodeling through complex interplay of curvature, protein-lipid interactions, and structural dynamics, ultimately maintaining functional channels between bacterial cells.

Our research aims to unravel these dynamic processes at both the micro- and nano-scale. By combining cutting-edge biophysical approaches with advanced imaging techniques, we seek to understand the underlying physicochemical factors driving these interactions while simultaneously harnessing these processes to develop targeted drug carriers.

We focus on three key areas:

  • MV uptake mechanism. We investigate how membrane vesicles deliver cargo across different bacterial species, studing the distinct mechanisms in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Through modulation of MV lipid signatures and membrane properties, we aim to uncover the fundamental principles governing bacterial cargo transfer and internalization.
  • Bacterial nanotube formation. We explore the formation and function of bacterial nanotubes as direct communication channels. Using lipid model systems and advanced microscopy, we study how these structures form, stabilize, and facilitate material transfer between cells, with the goal of understanding and potentially controlling bacterial communication networks.
  • Engineered MVs as therapeutic carriers. We aim to repurpose bacteria’s own communication tools into targeted delivery vehicles. By modifying MV’s membrane properties, we aim to develop customizable carriers capable of targeting specific bacterial populations. 

Members of the group

NameSurnameDegreeE-mail
MonikaKluzekPhDm.kluzek@imol.institute

Publications

2024
  • Nachmias N, Dotan N, Rocha MC, Fraenkel R, Detert K, Kluzek M, Shalom M, Cheskis S, Peedikayil-Kurien S, Meitav G, et al (2024) Systematic discovery of antibacterial and antifungal bacterial toxins. Nature Microbiology 9: 3041–3058
  • Lin W*, Kluzek M*, Kampf N, Cao Y, Klein J (2024) Bioinspired polymer-incorporating self- lubricating and antifouling hydrogels. arXiv:2404.05234  (*equal contribution)   
2023
  • Zhu L*, Lin W*, Kluzek M*, Miotla-Zarebska J, Batchelor V, Gardiner M, Chan C, Culmer P, Chanalaris A, Goldberg R et al (2023) Liposomic lubricants suppress shear-stress induced inflammatory gene regulation in the joint in vivo. arXiv:2312.05811 3  (*equal contribution)   
2022
  • Kluzek M,# Oppenheimer-Shaanan Y, Dadosh T, Morandi MI, Avinoam O, Raanan C, Goldsmith M, Goldberg R, Klein J# (2022) Designer Liposomic Nanocarriers Are Effective Biofilm Eradicators. Acs Nano 16 (10): 15792-15804  (#corresponding author)
2021
  • Jodko-Piórecka K, Sikora B, Kluzek M, Przybylski P & Litwinienko G (2021) Antiradical Activity of Dopamine, L-DOPA, Adrenaline, and Noradrenaline in Water/Methanol and in Liposomal Systems. The Journal of Organic Chemistry 87: 1791–1804
  • Morandi MI, Kluzek M, Wolff J, Schroder A, Thalmann F, Marques CM (2021) Accumulation of styrene oligomers alters lipid membrane phase order and miscibility. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 118: e2016037118
2020
  • Lin W, Kluzek M, Iuster N, Shimoni E, Kampf N, Goldberg R, Klein J (2020) Cartilage-inspired, lipid-based boundary-lubricated hydrogels. Science 370: 335–338
2018
  • Morandi MI, Sommer M, Kluzek M, Thalmann F, Schroder AP, Marques CM (2018) DPPC Bilayers in Solutions of High Sucrose Content. Biophysical Journal 114: 2165–2173
  • Kluzek M, Schmutz M, Marques CM, Thalmann F (2018) Kinetic evolution of DOPC lipid bilayers exposed to α-cyclodextrins. Soft Matter 14 (28): 5800-5810
2017
  • Kluzek M, Tyler AII, Wang S, Chen R, Marques CM, Thalmann F, Seddon JM, Schmutz M (2017) Influence of a pH-sensitive polymer on the structure of monoolein cubosomes. Soft Matter 13: 7571–7577

About Group Leader

Trained as a membrane biophysicist, Monika Kluzek completed her PhD at the Institut Charles Sadron (CNRS, FR) in the group of Dr. Carlos Marques, where she investigated nanoparticle-induced alterations of lipid membranes. Through collaborations with Imperial College London (UK) and the University of Manchester (UK), she expanded her research to explore lipid-polymer interactions and their effects on membrane organization.

At the Weizmann Institute of Science (IL) in prof. Jacob Klein group, Monika expanded the scope of her research towards complex bacterial membrane structure. During her postdoctoral stay, she developed a novel lipid-based carrier showing enhanced affinity for bacterial membrane and elucidated the mechanisms of action of bacterial toxins.

In October 2024, Monika joined IMol PAS as a principal investigator, focusing on bacterial membrane dynamics and intercellular communication. Her laboratory integrates state-of-the-art biophysical techniques with high-resolution imaging to decode the molecular mechanisms governing membrane remodeling during vesicular and tubular-mediated bacterial communication.

Funding

2024
  • “Bacterial membrane carriers targeting tumor-associated microbes for advanced cancer therapy”,  National Science Centre, OPUS 26
2023
  • Weizmann Institute of Science Dean fellowship
2014 – 2017
  • Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship within ITN-SNAL network (www.itn-snal.net)
2012
  • Polish Ministry of Science scholarship for outstanding achievements