Research

Development of Chemosensors against Intracellular Metal Pools

Our research aims to shed light on the role of metal ions in brain function and pathology. Specifically, we are investigating redox-active metal ions, which are involved in signal transduction and oxidative metabolism. In particular, the miscompartmentalization of labile copper pools can lead to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, exacerbate protein misfolding, and promote cell death. To distinguish between their redox-switchable oxidation states and gain insight into the intracellular distribution, we are developing chemosensors that emit different fluorescence signals depending on the oxidation states and geometry attributed to copper-sulfur chemistry.

Elucidation of Functional Amyloids under Metal Ion Dyshomeostasis

Amyloids are protein aggregates that can be either pathological or functional in nature. In our laboratory, we are studying functional amyloids, which play a beneficial and functional role in chemical storage and signaling. Specifically, we are investigating the role of metal ions in the assembly and disassembly process of functional amyloids under conditions of metal ion dyshomeostasis. Our team is developing a series of ligand frameworks that mimic functional amyloids to better understand this process. Additionally, we are working to develop chemical tools that can modulate the aggregation kinetics of peptide hormones, which may have potential applications in small-molecule therapeutics.