We have expertise in two broad areas of cell biology, namely i) membrane trafficking, and ii) cellular stress response.

Membrane trafficking is a fundamental process that mediates the directed movement of proteins and membranes to different cellular locations, critical for the proper functioning of all eukaryotic cells. The primary research interests of Dr. Mahak Sharma's laboratory focus on studying the molecular mechanisms regulating the trafficking towards late endosomes and lysosomes. They are studying the function of small GTPases and tethering factor complexes that are present on lysosomes and regulate endocytic, phagocytic and autophagic traffic towards lysosomes. The importance of these proteins is reflected by the fact that pathogens such as Mycobacterium or Salmonella evade killing in the host lysosome by targeting these protein complexes. Their findings may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which the endocytic regulatory proteins including small GTPases and tethering factors regulates lysosomal trafficking, proper functioning of which is critical for cellular homeostasis and defense against pathogens.

Dr. Jogender Singh's lab, on the other hand, employs the power of C. elegans genetics to understand cellular stress responses. Their specific interests lie in understanding the stress responses in the protein secretory pathway (endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus). Because cellular stress responses integrate with the innate immunity, aging, and cellular-death pathways, the ultimate goal of their laboratory is to understand how cellular stress responses affect the health and lifespan of an organism.

Members

Mahak Sharma
Associate Professor

Jogender Singh
Assistant Professor