Membrane Biology and Cell Signaling

The ability of cells to sense and react to their surroundings governs their capacity to proliferate, develop, differentiate, and maintain tissue homeostasis. Deficiencies in appropriately translating environmental cues underlie many forms of cancer, neurodegeneration, and immune dysfunction. Our faculty members study the mechanistic basis of signal transduction using a diverse array of models, including E. coli, pathogenic fungi, C. elegans, and mammalian cells. The critical signaling that occurs in response to external stimuli is often initiated at the surface of cells and traverses a network of membrane bound compartments, to ultimately elicit changes in cellular gene expression and metabolism. How these signaling pathways are effectively integrated to facilitate a defined cellular response is a major focus of our membrane biology and cell signaling faculty.

Relevant Labs: Audhya, Engin, Galmozzi, Hull, Merrins, Putnam