Membrane Dynamics & Cell Polarity
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Membrane contact site (MCS) formation
Calcium and lipid homeostasis at MCSs
Cell polarity/morphogenesis
Yeast synthetic biology
Fungal pathogen
Our lab focuses on elucidating the molecular basis and physiological consequences of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) structure and dynamics, including the ER morphogenesis, its organelle contacts and cytoskeletal interactions using multiple models (e.g. S. pombe, C. albicans and C. elegans). We take advantage of multidisciplinary approaches including yeast/worm genetics, biochemical tools, synthetic biology, high-resolution live-cell imaging, microfluidics, omics and mathematical modeling. The broad goal of our lab is to elucidate the nature and functions of endomembrane contacts, and to integrate their roles into a general framework of cell physiology.
We also translate and apply our basic findings to the studies of human fungal pathogens and yeast synthetic biology, aiming to develop strategies for both disease prevention and for generation of optimal yeast bioreactors.
FORMATION OF ER/PM CONTACTS
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-plasma membrane (PM) contact sites are thought to function in lipid trafficking and calcium signaling and are particularly prominent in yeast, plants and excitable cells in metazoans. A group of evolutionary conserved membrane integral proteins have been recently identified to couple the ER and the PM in various model systems. However, underlying mechanisms of the ER/PM contact formation remain poorly understood. We aim to understand mechanistically how these and potentially other proteins function in tethering the ER to the PM.
PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF ER/PM CONTACTS
The mechanistic roles of the ER/PM contacts in calcium and lipid homeostasis, as well as their potential involvement in the PM patterning and cell stress response, require further investigation. Another main research interest is to explore the physiological consequences of establishing the ER/PM contacts.
CELL POLARITY AND MORPHOGENESIS
Spatial coordination between endocytosis and exocytosis is essential to ensure the polarized growth and cylindrical cell shape of fission yeast cells. Specialized PM compartments at the growing ends are crucial for vesicle targeting, docking and fusion, and hence the polarized growth. We are also keen in understanding how the PM-vesicle crosstalk involves in polarity and shape maintenance of the fission yeast cells.