Our Research
Decipher cell signaling at the membrane interface for novel therapeutics
NADPH Oxidases and Redox Biology
Maintaining balanced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is essential for cell integrity and the survival of nearly all organisms. Our lab investigates mammalian NADPH oxidases (NOX enzymes)—the primary enzymes that deliberately produce ROS. We focus on:
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Their molecular architecture
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Mechanisms of activation and regulation
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Strategies to target them therapeutically for diseases involving dysregulated ROS, such as inflammation, cancer, and neurodegeneration
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LRRK2 Signaling and Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting millions worldwide. Mutations in the LRRK2 gene are a major genetic cause of late-onset PD and also contribute to many sporadic cases. Aberrant LRRK2 signaling plays a central role in driving PD pathology in both familial and idiopathic forms. Our lab is dedicated to unraveling the precise role of LRRK2 kinase in PD by addressing two key questions:
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How do pathogenic LRRK2 mutations trigger neurodegeneration and lead to PD?
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How can we safely and effectively target LRRK2 to develop disease-modifying therapies for PD?
KCNQ1 Channel and Cardiac Rhythm
Ion channels are vital membrane proteins that conduct electrical signals by shuttling ions across cells, driving everything from brain activity to heartbeats.
KCNQ1 forms the core of the IKs channel, producing the slow delayed rectifier potassium current essential for cardiac repolarization. Mutations in KCNQ1 are the leading cause of inherited long-QT syndrome, triggering fatal arrhythmias that claim 3,000–4,000 young lives annually in the US.
Our lab explores how KCNQ1 channels work and respond to cellular signals, aiming to discover new ways to prevent these deadly heart rhythm disorders.
Ciliary Transport
Cilia are microscopic, hair-like projections extending from the surface of nearly all human cells and many other organisms. These dynamic structures are essential for diverse biological functions, including cell motility, sensory detection (serving as cellular "antennas"), fluid movement, and tissue development. Our lab
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investigate the precise trafficking mechanisms that shuttle key signaling molecules into and out of the cilium
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explore how defects in these pathways contribute to a wide range of human diseases, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic strategies or tools.