Mechanisms of clathrin-independent endocytosis: our cells constantly use a process known as endocytosis to internalize proteins and membranes in order to take up nutrients, respond to the environment, and repair damage. Most cells rely on the protein clathrin to facilitate internalization, but many endocytic pathways exist. We are using budding yeast as a model to study clathrin-independent endocytic pathways that are likely conserved through evolution, with the aim of understanding the complexity of this process and its relevance to human cell biology.
Yeast as a model for neurodegenerative diseases: Although yeast and neurons are very different cell types, they share many basic functions. Because of this, what we learn about cell biology in yeast often gives us clues about how human cells work, including neurons. We have made a yeast model for one type of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease) that is caused by a mutation in the VAPB gene. This model allows us to study how disease-causing gene mutations affect cell function, and permits us to do genetic screens to find ways to improve cell health that might be relevant for designing new treatments.
Funding
CAREER: Regulation of clathrin-independent endocytosis by modulators of Rho GTPase function MCB 1942395
Characterization of genetic suppressors of ALS8 (VAPB-P56S) phenotypes 19-IIP-473