Our Research
We aim to tackle complex scientific challenges and uncover novel insights that have the potential to shape the future.
Our primary focus is to understand the functional roles of protein complexes from a structural perspective. We employ a variety of techniques from structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to answer questions related to the regulation of cellular membrane trafficking pathways, mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, and the production of biological methane.
Organelle Homeostasis
Small GTPases of the Arf and Rab families are critical mediators of organelle homeostasis. They contribute to organelle identity by differentially occupying organelle membranes and facilitating the recruitment of key effectors to modulate organelle features. Our focus is to understand the mechanistic details of how Arf/Rab family GTPases are regulated at the surface of an organelle by the action of two opposing enzyme families: guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs).
Neurodegeneration
C9ORF72 is the most commonly mutated gene in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD), devastating diseases that cause the progressive loss of motor neurons and neurons in the frontal/temporal lobes, respectively. However, the cellular role of the C9orf72 protein remains uncertain. Our aim is to define its role in cells because understanding which pathways are disrupted in disease precludes designing strategies for therapeutic intervention. We are also investigating other links between dysfunctional membrane trafficking pathways and neurodegenerative disease.
Methanogenesis
Methane and carbon dioxide are potent greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Unlike carbon dioxide, which is generated by many different (a)biotic processes, methane is primarily produced a group of Archaeal microorganisms that live in anoxic environments. We want to understand the details of how these microbes make methane. To this end, our goal is to conduct structure-function analyses of vital enzymes involved in methanogenesis.
