Research

Main focus of the lab

Neural Stem Cell stained with Apical/Basal polarity markers

Neural Stem Cell (NSCs) homeostasis during development

NSC self-renewal and differentiation are highly regulated, any defects in these processes may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders such as microcephaly, autism, epilepsy or brain tumor. Therefore, identifying the molecular players and understanding the mechanisms underlying these processes during brain development is crucial. To identify novel players involved in neural stem cells' self-renewal and differentiation, we conducted genetic screens using Drosophila neural stem cells (neuroblasts, NBs). Through these screens, we identified several evolutionarily conserved genes whose loss in developing larval brains leads to a small brain phenotype. These genes are predicted to be involved in cellular processes such as vesicle trafficking, mitochondrial dynamics, and various other signaling pathways. Currently, we are focusing on genes that may play a role in vesicle trafficking. To study the function of these genes, we use the Drosophila developing brain and human neuronal stem cells (hNSCs) as model systems. We utilize state of the art genome editing tools, a diverse set of cell, molecular biology and biochemical approaches, live imaging, TEM and cryo-EM.

Hyperfused mitochondrial stainined with Tom20 (red)

Mitochondrial dynamics during development and disease

Mitochondria play a crucial role in various cellular and physiological process such as energy production, metabolism and cell signaling. Defects in these processes can lead to various diseases including metabolic and neurological diseases. Therefore, maintaining a healthy pool of mitochondria is essential. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles, they undergo fission and fusion to regulate to their size, distribution and function. These processes are necessary to main cellular homeostasis. Mitochondrial dynamics is altered in various physiological conditions and developmental stages and also during metabolic stress. We are interested in understanding how mitochondrial dynamics is regulated during development and metabolic stress. To study these processes, we use Drosophila and human cell lines as model systems. We utilize state of the art genome editing tools, a diverse set of cell, molecular biology and biochemical approaches, lives imaging and TEM.

Roots in Drosophila,Results in Sapiens

PC: Greeshma Murthati

Drosophila to assess human disease causing variants

Drosophila is an unparalleled genetically tractable in-vivo model to study evolutionarily conserved regulatory processes in humans. About 65% of protein coding genes are conserved in human and approximately 75% of human disease causing genes have homologs in Drosophila. In addition, the availability of genetic tools, ease of genetic manipulation and low cost of maintenance facilitate the use of flies as an ideal organism to study disease-linked mutations. We work in collaboration with clinicians and use flies to assess human disease associated variants and determine how they impact the gene function and contribute to disease onset and progression.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse