Projects

My laboratory’s long-term goals are to: (1) provide mechanistic insights of how mitochondrial composition and shape impact on cellular metabolism and commitment to apoptosis, (2) explore how cancer-promoting pathways converge on mitochondrial function to regulate malignancy and chemotherapeutic success, and (3) reveal novel contributions of the mitochondrial network in tissue homeostasis.

To achieve these goals, my laboratory developed multiple model systems, technologies, and productive collaborations to better understand the intersections between mitochondria, cell biology, and disease. My group revealed that mitochondrial shape, composition, number impact on cellular transformation and sensitivity to conventional and targeted chemotherapeutics. We actively investigate how mitochondrial stress signaling dictates cancer mechanisms (transformation, senescence, malignancy) and the immune landscape in melanomagenesis. In parallel, we translate these fundamental studies into potentially clinically relevant prognostics and therapies by developing antibodies and small molecules that detect and correct disease-related mitochondrial perturbations.

Grants

National Institutes of Health / National Cancer Institute

Melanoma Research Alliance

National Science Foundation

Department of Defense – Melanoma Research Program

American Cancer Society

March of Dimes

Irma T. Hirschl & Monique Weill-Caulier Trust

JJR Foundation

Fridolin Trust

American Skin Association