PROJECTS

QUANTITATIVE CELL BIOLOGY

A cell is a highly organized entity with dynamic regulation of its organelles. During division and differentiation, cells tightly control the number and positioning of organelles. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are not well understood. My lab seeks to answer these fundamental questions in cell biology using a unique model system, multiciliated cells (MCCs). MCCs are specialized epithelial cells that assemble hundreds of centrioles and cilia. Errors in in the assembly or centriole or cilia number regulation contribute to respiratory and heart defects, microcephaly, and cancer. Using cutting-edge tools across diverse model systems, our work reveals fundamental rules of development and regeneration while laying a strong foundation for translational advances and new therapeutic strategies to improve human health.

HIGH-THROUGHPUT TRANSLATIONAL GENOMICS.

We are committed to uncovering the genetic basis of congenital heart and lung diseases, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders such as microcephaly, conditions that profoundly affect millions of individuals and their families worldwide. Employing state-of-the-art high-throughput sequencing and advanced CRISPR-based genome editing approaches, our lab innovatively identifies and characterizes pathogenic genetic variants responsible for these complex disorders. We leverage in vivo models, alongside stem cell based organoids, to precisely model human diseases and dissect intricate molecular and mechanochemical pathways. By pioneering novel methodologies and integrative experimental pipelines, our research not only elucidates fundamental biological mechanisms but also paves the way toward transformative diagnostic tools and personalized therapeutic strategies.