Research Topic: Lipid Signaling Chemotaxis
Mechanisms of gradient sensing and chemotaxis are conserved in mammalian leukocytes and Dictyostelium amoebae. Both cells use G protein linked signaling pathways. PH domains specific for…
Research Topic: Signals Regulating Stem Cell Self-renewal
What are the signals regulating stem cell fate?
A major goal in stem cell biology is to understand how the balance between stem cell renewal…
Research Topic: Cellular regulation of cholesterol homeostasis and adaptation to hypoxia
To maintain homeostasis, cells need to measure the concentration of molecules such as nutrients, reactants, and products. Eukaryotic cells, whether single-cell…
Research Topic: Mitochondrial Dynamics and Phospholipid Metabolism
Our laboratory is interested in the molecular mechanisms and physiological roles of mitochondrial fusion. Mitochondria are highly dynamic and control their morphology by a…
Research Topic: Organogenesis in a model system: Formation of the Drosophila salivary gland and trachea
Tube formation is a ubiquitous process required to sustain life in all multicellular organisms. Tubular organs…
Many cells have an internal “compass” that allows them to detect and move along extracellular chemical gradients in a process referred to as chemotaxis or directed cell migration. In embryogenesis, chemotaxis…
Research Topic: Cell Motility and Cell Mechanics using novel laser-based optical tools
Our long-term goals are to understand cell motility, which is critical for immunological defense and wound healing, but unwanted…