The primary focus of Dr. Langen's research lies in the structure and dynamics of protein-membrane interactions and amyloid fibril formation in neurodegenerative diseases. His laboratory is employing a wide range of structural methods (including the more recently developed site-directed spin labeling) to investigate these little understood processes. Through the use of site-directed spin labeling, Dr. Langen has discovered a novel, reversible transmembrane insertion of annexin XII and his laboratory is currently testing whether other proteins with similar properties can be identified. At the same time, he is trying to gain a molecular understanding of neurodegenerative diseases by determining the structures of several amyloid proteins in the fibrillar, prefibrillar, and membrane-bound states.