Molecular and Cellular mechanisms Researchers
Darci Fink
The overall goal of research in my lab is to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of lymphatic vessel patterning and remodeling to improve disease outcomes. Lymphatic vessels regulate fluid homeostasis and immune cell traffic during development, inflammation, wound healing and cancer. We use advanced microscopy in animal models and tissue culture systems to visualize lymphatic endothelial cell biology and biochemistry, including our recent finding of cellular antennae (primary cilia) on lymphatics.
The Loukil Lab studies a tiny sensory organelle of a few microns called the primary cilium that is essential for signal transduction and embryonic development. Cilia dysfunction causes a distinct set of hereditary diseases in humans, commonly known as ciliopathies. Patients with mutations in ciliary genes often have severe neurological abnormalities ranging from brain malformations to cognitive impairments. Despite their relevance in health and disease, ciliary signaling and dynamics are still poorly understood, especially in the brain. The Loukil Lab focuses on understanding the molecular processes that govern trafficking within the cilium and its structural stability. The team also explores how disruptions in cilia regulation affect downstream signaling pathways and lead to human disease, particularly neurological manifestations. These questions are vital for advancing knowledge of the cilium’s therapeutic potential.
Kidneys play a crucial role in maintenance of pH, water, and electrolyte balance in our body. The renal epithelial cells that perform the ion and water reabsorption are diverse in nature. Chandrasekar lab is interested in understanding the role of the actin cytoskeleton and associated myosin motor proteins in regulation of renal epithelial transport pathways and transport related kidney disease. We use a multifaceted approach involving conditional knockout mouse models, cell biological, biochemical methods including advanced microscopy techniques. The lab is also involved in development and application of novel tools and techniques to study membrane remodeling, organelle structure and function in vitro in cell culture and in vivo in mouse and human kidneys.
The Surendran Lab studies kidney development and disease by determining the molecular basis by which diverse cell types of the kidney develop and are maintained. The Surendran Lab uses novel genetic mouse models, along with cell and ex vivo organ cultures, to identify genes critical for kidney development and/or maintenance of kidney functions. The Surendran Lab focuses on two areas:
- The molecular mechanisms regulating kidney collecting duct development and maintenance.
- The cellular and genetic basis of kidney diseases associated with Alagille Syndrome patients.
Dr. Lance Lee’s research program is devoted to understanding how motile cilia function and how dysfunction results in pediatric disease. By identifying and understanding the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms, they hope to advance the diagnosis and treatment of ciliary disorders, including primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), which affects approximately one in 16,000 live births. The Lee Lab uses both traditional and emerging genetic approaches to elucidate the underlying causes of PCD.
