About Us
About Us
The Cytoskeleton in Neurogenetic Disorders
Liver Cell Biology and Disease Mechanisms
We are a research group dedicated to studying liver diseases and neurological disorders linked to intermediate filament gene mutations. We use biochemical, cellular and physiological tools to characterize and modulate specific disease targets. Our goal is to identify strategies to prevent and reverse disease progression.
Liver Cell Biology and Disease Mechanisms
The Cytoskeleton in Neurogenetic Disorders
Liver Cell Biology and Disease Mechanisms
Liver diseases account for more than 2 million deaths per year globally. Age and biological sex strongly influence susceptibility to liver disease development and progression. We study the cell biological mechanisms behind these clinical observations. Our primary focus is on the hepatocyte, the major cell type in the liver. Hepatocytes
Liver diseases account for more than 2 million deaths per year globally. Age and biological sex strongly influence susceptibility to liver disease development and progression. We study the cell biological mechanisms behind these clinical observations. Our primary focus is on the hepatocyte, the major cell type in the liver. Hepatocytes are incredibly resilient and are able to regenerate and restore their function following injury. However, chronic unresolved stress compromises hepatocyte function and drives the development of liver diseases that can progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-the most common of primary liver cancer. We seek to understand how hepatocytes maintain long-term metabolic homeostasis and epithelial integrity in an age- and sex-dependent manner. This work will serve as the foundation for future trajectories in liver disease prevention, management and treatment of different patient populations.
The Cytoskeleton in Neurogenetic Disorders
The Cytoskeleton in Neurogenetic Disorders
The Cytoskeleton in Neurogenetic Disorders
Intermediate filaments form one of the three major cytoskeletal systems and are implicated in more than 80 tissue-specific human diseases. Our laboratory is developing scalable assays to study abnormal IF protein accumulation and aggregation via biochemical and cellular imaging approaches using patient-derived cells. We pursue fundamenta
Intermediate filaments form one of the three major cytoskeletal systems and are implicated in more than 80 tissue-specific human diseases. Our laboratory is developing scalable assays to study abnormal IF protein accumulation and aggregation via biochemical and cellular imaging approaches using patient-derived cells. We pursue fundamental biological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Currently, we study two clinically-distinct, but mechanistically linked IF diseases: Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN) and Alexander Disease (AxD). Both diseases involve extensive IF protein accumulation and aggregation, leading to progressive neurodegeneration.