Areas of Interest
Basic cell biological functions can be readily studied in yeast. Many yeast genes and pathways are conserved with those in humans. For example, the signaling lipid, PI(3,5)P2 which is important for lysosomes in yeast, is also critical in humans. Mutations in genes that cause a minor defect in the dynamic regulation of this lipid, underlie some neurodegenerative diseases! Yeast can be used to decipher the mechanisms that regulate this lipid, and determine some of its multiple functions. Determining the roles and regulation of PI(3,5)P2, may provide insights into how to treat some neurological diseases.
Associated Grad Programs
Cell & Developmental Biology, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, MSTP, Chemical Biology
Credentials
- University of California-Berkeley, Ph.D., 08/1982
- Douglass College, Rutgers University, A.B., 06/1974