Research

We use the power of C. elegans genetics to understand cellular stress responses. Our specific interests lie in understanding the stress responses in the protein secretory pathway (endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus). Because cellular stress responses integrate with the innate immunity, aging, and cellular-death pathways, the ultimate goal of our laboratory is to understand how cellular stress responses affect health and lifespan of an organism.

Our lab is also interested in understanding the mechanisms involved in the control of innate immune responses against microbial pathogens. Our previous studies demonstrated that C. elegans intestinal infection activates transcriptional programs to induce immune effectors and a protective behavioral response. Our current efforts involve understanding how intestinal infection brings about these changes.

Finally, to understand how organismal homeostasis is maintained, our lab is interested in studying the endocrinal (signaling between different tissues) and neuroendocrinal (endocrine signals from the nervous tissue to another tissue) regulation of cellular stress responses and innate immunity.