Research Description

Living cells are often polarized with a distinct front and back or top and bottom. Cell asymmetry and polarity are critical for cell proliferation and development. Indeed, the loss of cell polarity and asymmetry has been implicated in many diseases including cancer and cellular aging. Two main focuses of our current research are: 1) spatial and temporal regulation of cell polarization; and 2) regulation of cellular aging and stress response. We undertake interdisciplinary approaches by combining methods in genetics, biochemistry, quantitative microscopy including microfluidic-based single- cell analysis as well as mathematical modeling in collaboration.