Introduction
My laboratory aims to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and function of discrete subsets of immune cells that produce different cytokines protective against pathogens, and the induction and function of a regulatory cytokine, IL-10. IL-10 plays a major role in regulating immune responses to prevent host damage but conversely can contribute to chronic infection or cancer.
We use diverse tools to study the mechanisms of IL-10 gene regulation in macrophages, dendritic cells and T cells, and the consequences of IL-10 action in experimental models and human diseases.The goal of the laboratory is to better understand the global regulation of cellular processes in eukaryotic cells. The model organism used for these studies is the experimentally amenable single celled eukaryote, the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
Present areas of interest are the regulation of the cell cycle, cellular growth, and nuclear size. These cellular controls are fundamental to the growth, development and reproduction of all eukaryotic organisms from yeasts to humans. They are also relevant to understanding disease, particularly cancer.
