The overarching goal of my group is to uncover the regulatory principles of vesicle-mediated cargo transport. In a NIGMS-funded project, we are systematically dissecting mammalian vesicle transport using unbiased genetic screens. We then use biochemical, genetic, and cell biological tools to uncover the molecular mechanisms of the new regulators identified in the screens. In a NIDDK-funded project, we investigate how insulin regulates the trafficking of the glucose transporter GLUT4 and how this process is impaired in type 2 diabetes. Finally, in a recent NIA-funded project, we aim to identify the machinery mediating exosomal cargo transport between cells.
keywords
cell biology of the membrane, neurotransmitter release, glucose homeostasis
MCDB 3145 - Cell Biology
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2019
Examines intracellular mechanisms, including transport of ions and small molecules across membranes; protein targeting to organelles; membrane trafficking between organelles; signal transduction; the cytoskeleton; and the cell cycle. Recommended prerequisite or corequisite: MCDB 3140 concurrent with either this class or MCDB 3135.
MCDB 4425 - Topics in Membrane Biology: Cell Biology, Physiology and Disease
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024
Students will apply their knowledge of basic biology to exploring several of the most exciting topics in biomedicine including protein folding and stress responses, nutrient sensing and balance and signal transduction across membranes. Emphasis will be placed upon human physiology and associated human diseases including Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Fulfills MCDB scientific reasoning requirement. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 3135 and MCDB 3145 or instructor consent. Same as MCDB 5425.
MCDB 4990 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Spring 2020
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee.
MCDB 5425 - Topics in Membrane Biology: Cell Biology, Physiology and Disease
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2018 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024
Students will apply their knowledge of basic biology to exploring several of the most exciting topics in biomedicine including protein folding and stress responses, nutrient sensing and balance and signal transduction across membranes. Emphasis will be placed upon human physiology and associated human diseases including Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Same as MCDB 4425.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2019 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
