rESEARCH

The Mu lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanism underlying ion channel folding, assembly, degradation, trafficking, and function. Because the activity of membrane proteins is coupled to other proteins in complicated cellular interaction networks, the molecular mechanism of ion channel folding and degradation in the cell has been elusive. Using representative membrane proteins, we aim to reveal the protein homeostasis network that controls their folding, assembly, degradation, and trafficking and thus function using proteomics, cell biology, biophysical, neuroscience, electrophysiology, and animal model approaches. 

The Mu lab focuses on diseases resulting from protein misfolding and thus reduced membrane protein surface expression and compromised function. This defective protein trafficking has been reported to result in many diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

The Mu lab focuses on developing multiple strategies to discover small molecules that enhance proper protein folding in cells to ameliorate diseases. The Mu lab also explores the mechanism of action of these small molecules: how they alter the signaling pathways associated with the protein homeostasis network for disease intervention. Ultimately, The Mu lab aims to develop novel therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with protein misfolding.