Research

Research Interests

The molecular and cellular mechanisms that protect against cancer and neurodegeneration. Keywords: Cancer biology, p53, tumor suppression, metabolism, autophagy, stem cells, protein quality control, aging, neurodegenerative disease

Description of Research

Our lab studies cancer and neurodegenerative disease. Our current projects focus on two broad areas:

1. The tumor suppressor p53, metabolism, and autophagy. We are interested in the regulation and functions of the preeminent tumor suppressor p53. Our results have revealed a role for p53 in modulating metabolic pathways that are critical for biosynthesis and redox balance. We are investigating the function of p53 as both a sentinel and a regulator for metabolic activities. We are also identifying and characterizing metabolic alterations that drive tumor initiation and progression. A recent extension of this research area is to define the role of metabolism and autophagy in stem cells, including embryonic stem cells and cancer stem cells.
    
2. Protein quality control, aging, and neurodegeneration. Our lab recently identified two protein quality control (PQC) systems, which consist of tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins and poly-Asp/Glu (polyD/E) proteins, respectively. Unlike canonical PQC systems, these new systems are independent of ATP and are unique for animals (the TRIM system) or eukaryotes (the polyD/E system). Both systems are multifunctional and highly effective. We are investigating their mechanisms of action; their roles in aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; and their utility in treating these diseases.