Signal Transduction
We study the molecular mechanisms underlying inter and intracellular signalling controlled by the Wnt and Hedgehog families of secreted Growth Factors. We combine proteomic and genomic tools to identify novel components in these pathways and study both their developmental and homeostatic functions and how they become dysregulated in human diseases such as cancer. We also use CRISPR-Cas9 to probe the genetics of high fatality cancers to identify novel therapeutic targets.
The Attisano Laboratory investigates how cells receive, passage, and then transmit extracellular signals. Current interests are TGFB, Wnt, and Hippo signalling pathways, whose disruption is associated with numerous diseases including cancer. We also study the formation of axons and dendrites in primary neurons. We use biochemical and cell biological methods to examine mammalian cell, organoids, and mouse model systems.
We use functional genomics techniques, including genetic interaction screens and high-throughput cell biology, to study how eukaryotic cells transmit high fidelity copies of the genome from one generation to the next. Maintaining the integrity of the genome is central to biology, and is relevant to cancer, aging, and stem cell renewal.
The Ditlev Lab studies the role of biological phase separation in organizing neuronal and immunological signaling pathways at cellular membranes. Our team uses a combination of biochemical reconstitution and cell biology to understand how the composition of biomolecular condensates dictates their specific function.
Ernst Lab
Our research focuses on transmembrane signaling by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We seek to elucidate GPCR functionality and interaction with signaling proteins like G proteins and arrestins. Using different spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography, we investigate the mechanisms, specificity, and structural basis of these interactions. Another focus of our work is on rhodopsin, the photoreceptor protein in the vertebrate retina.
Grinstein Lab
The Grinstein group is interested in several aspects of membrane biology and signal transduction as well as how these influence macrophages and the innate immune response. Studies emphasize ion transport mechanisms, mediation of phagocytosis, and interactions between pathogen and host cell membranes.
Kapus Lab
The Kapus lab investigates cellular plasticity, particularly as it pertains to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and myofibroblast formation. These processes are critical to tissue repair and are central to the pathobiology of organ fibrosis. We study how the cytoskeleton is remodeled upon exposure to stress and conversely how cytoskeleton remodeling impacts major cell processes including gene expression, ion transport, and organelle functioning.
Lemaire Lab
The lab’s main aim is translational research that pertains to rare paediatric kidney diseases using genomic tools for gene discovery followed by careful functional dissection of candidate genes using cutting-edge microscopic, cell biology and biochemical methods.
Ohh Lab
Our research mission is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing the function of two major cancer-associated proteins called von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumour suppressor protein and RAS oncoprotein with the supposition that lessons learned would provide fundamental understanding of cell biology and lay the basic foundation for the development of rational anti-cancer therapeutics.
My laboratory has been studying the ubiquitin system, particularly the Nedd4 family of E3 ubiquitin ligases. We are studying the biochemistry, structure and function of these E3 ligases, as well as their physiological functions using cells and model organisms. Other related project in the lab focus on membrane proteins associated with Cystic Fibrosis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Our research focuses on finding cures for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. We seek to understand how pancreatic beta cells convert feeding cues into signals initiating insulin synthesis and secretion. We use high-throughput functional genomic imaging screens to identify novel players involved in beta cell signaling pathways. We are also interested in the function and quality control of mitochondria.
Research in the Sicheri Lab is focused on elucidating the mechanism of action of signalling molecules through the use of X-ray crystallography and biochemical techniques.
The Stagljar Lab focuses on elucidating the functions of membrane proteins. We examine how these proteins interact with each other and with other intracellular proteins to perform a variety of cellular functions. We have developed two unique technologies: the Membrane Yeast Two-Hybrid (MYTH) and the Mammalian Membrane Two-Hybrid (MaMTH), which enable researchers to study this clinically relevant class of proteins.
In the Wilde Lab we study the molecular processes that drive cell division and the maintenance of genome stability. Using a combination of biochemical and imaging techniques, we exploit a variety of model systems, frogs, flies and tissue culture cells, to address different molecular questions related to cell division.