The lab focusses on understanding proteins, their turnover and mechanisms of proteostasis in health and diseases. We explore protein quality control pathways, including molecular chaperones, ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), and autophagy, in the regulation of protein turnover in various systems and conditions. Our goal is to dissect molecular pathways affecting cellular health and to identify key molecules regulating these pathways.

Protein misfolding, aggregation and degradation are primary focus of our research. We investigate pathways of neurodegeneration, regulators of neurodevelopment and mechanisms of healthy ageing by applying state-of-the-art proteomics approaches. We work on the crossroads of cell proliferation and cell death pathways to understand the altered metabolism and signalling in various cancers. One key area of our ongoing research is investigating molecular relationships between mother and child by studying the proteomic profile of placental tissues.

Ongoing research Focus:

• Understanding amyloid heterogeneity and polymorphism
• Dissecting proteostasis machinery at synapses
• Understand the biphasic model of ageing
• Identify key biomarkers forcervical and oral cancers
• Develop new diagnostics for neurodevelopmental disorders

Tools and Models:

• Mass spectrometry-based proteomics- pulse chase proteomics, PTMs, amyloid proteomics, etc.
• Mammalian cell culture-based assays
• Rodents (mice, rats, etc.) and human tissues
• Nanocarrier-based targeted delivery of drugs and antibodies against amyloid beta in Alzheimer’s disease
• Biochemical tools for purification of amyloids, postsynaptic density and exosomes
• Low-cost LIG sensor development for detection of biomarkers in ultra-low concentrations