Our Research Interests
Long-Term Research Goals
The long-term goal of our laboratory is to contribute to the better understanding of the mechanisms that drive mitochondria to dysfunction and failure under stress conditions, such as those present in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and in neuronal aging. Our findings could unravel new pharmacological targets in mitochondria to prevent, counteract, or reverse the mammalian metabolic dysregulation induced by mitochondrial dysfunction and failure in these conditions (graphics created with BioRender using an institutional license to Rutgers University).
Focusing Our Efforts
Our laboratory focuses its efforts on understanding the role of mitochondrial inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) in mitochondrial physiology. PolyP is a molecule that is well-conserved throughout evolution, and present in every studied tissue from every studied organism. PolyP is composed of multiple subunits of orthophosphate that are linked together by high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds; similar to those found in ATP. It shows a ubiquitous distribution, though we and others have observed a preferential mitochondrial localization in mammalian cells. In 1999, the Nobel Laureate Arthur Kornberg and his colleagues reported that bacteria with decreased levels of polyP are hypersensitive to a variety of stressors. Corroborating this data, other researchers have proposed a role for polyP in the cellular protection against increased oxidative stress, and protein dyshomeostasis. Moreover, the participation of polyP in the regulation of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and apoptosis has also been proven by us and others (graphics created with BioRender using an institutional license to Rutgers University).
Our Methodology
By using mammalian models combined with microscopy, cell biology, molecular biology, protein biology, biophysics, and -omics techniques, we aim to understand the key contribution of inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) towards mitochondrial physiology, and therefore mammalian metabolism; both under control and stress conditions, including neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Specifically, we are interested in the study of the role of polyP and the molecular mechanisms of its effects in mammalian metabolism, including the following physiological processes:
Mitochondrial protein homeostasis (including the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, and its relationship with mitophagy).
Mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy and apoptosis.
Mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxidative stress response.
Combining Our Efforts
We are always eager to collaborate with other research groups with complementary scientific interests. Currently, in collaboration with other groups, we are conducting studies on the role of small RNAs in mitochondria in stroke, and in growing synthetic materials in mammalian cells; among other projects.