Our laboratory is interested in molecular mechanisms and signal transduction pathways that control cell survival and cell death. In multicellular organisms, the control of cell number is determined by a balance between cell proliferation and cell death. Apoptosis, a biochemically and morphologically distinct form of programmed cell death, is one of the major mechanisms for control of cell death. During development, apoptosis serves as a prominent force in sculpting tissues, to remove cells that are produced in excess, or have developed improperly, and to eliminate cells that are no longer needed. In adults, apoptosis is used for homeostasis to remove cells that are potentially dangerous, such as viral infected cells, genetically damaged cells, or toxin-damaged cells.
Apoptosis is a tightly regulated process.
Abnormal apoptosis may be deleterious and can cause or contribute to various diseases. For example, abnormal apoptosis contributes to cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative disorders including stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, ALS, and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, chemical toxicants also induce apoptosis in animal cells. These include arsenicals, ethanol, methyl mercury, and possibly pesticides. Therefore, elucidation of mechanisms that regulate apoptosis is of fundamental importance for Toxicology, Developmental Biology, Cancer Biology, and Neurobiology.