Our research endeavors are broadly directed toward understanding stress responses within peroxisomes and mitochondria. We delve into a variety of areas within this overarching theme, exploring the intricate mechanisms that govern stress responses in these organelles. This includes but is not limited to investigating the molecular pathways, regulatory networks, and dynamic processes associated with peroxisomal and mitochondrial stress. Our multifaceted approach aims to unravel the complexities of cellular responses to stress conditions in these vital cellular compartments, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of their roles in cellular homeostasis and disease.
The following highlights some of the specific areas we explore.
1. Peroxisome Stress Responses
Peroxisomes are vital organelles, involved in various metabolic processes. Despite their critical roles, our understanding of how cells respond to peroxisomal stress remains limited. Our primary goal is to address these gaps and shed light on the quality control pathways activated during peroxisome dysfunction. Through the development of temperature-sensitive in vivo worm models for peroxisome biogenesis disorders and tissue-specific degron-based knockdowns, we aim to regulate peroxisome function spatially and temporally. This approach provides a robust platform for a comprehensive exploration of nematode responses during peroxisome dysfunction and recovery. Additionally, we utilize mammalian cell culture techniques and cells obtained from patients with peroxisome biogenesis disorders to conduct a thorough characterization of peroxisome stress responses.
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2. Mitochondrial Stress Responses
Mitochondria are essential double membrane organelles, involved in nearly every aspect of our lives including energy production. Dysfunction of this organelle is associated with a vast array of clinical manifestations including neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, the aging process and muscle loss. There is no cure for mitochondria disorders. Our goal is to characterize how cells cope with mitochondria dysfunction, what are the stress responses that are activated during mitochondrial stress and whether unregulated activation of these responses contributes to our health or to the development of diseases.
