Cellular Responses to Pathogen Attack and Environmental Stimuli
Research in our lab focuses on mechanisms by which cells respond to external perturbations. We are interested in examining host immune responses, microbial virulence factors, and dynamic interplay between host cells and pathogens. We are also interested in defining the structure and dynamics of functional pathways when cells experience environmental stimuli, such as DNA damaging agents and temperature change. Our ultimate goal is to create an integrated digital image of how cells operate under external perturbations over multiple temporal and spatial scales. We aim to achieve this goal through high-throughput and low-throughput data acquisition and integration, followed by computational prediction and experimental validation. We apply a two-pronged computational approach, bioinformatics data mining and mechanistic mathematical modeling. Our main experimental systems include unicellular eukaryote yeast and mammalian cell culture. We aim to create a nurturing environment to teach the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists.