Area of Interest

We are using advanced cell biology techniques to study the structure and function of the microtubule cytoskeleton in multiple cell types. We are particularly interested in how disease/ infection modulates the microtubule cytoskeleton and the effect that this has on cellular events such as vesicle trafficking, receptor display and cell cycle progression

Keywords:

• microtubules
• macrophages
• osteoblasts
• vesicle trafficking
• infection

Current Research

Our lab is currently studying the cell biology of three different cell types: macrophages, osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Macrophages are a key immune cell responsible for degradation of pathogens by a process known as phagocytosis. Osteoclasts are equally destructive cells, charged with degrading the dense, calcified bone matrix. Osteoblasts are the other major bone cell that secrete copious amounts of collagen to form the bone matrix. We are using advanced fluorescent microscopy as well as molecular biology and biochemistry to study the major functions of these cells. Specifically we study how the microtubule cytoskeleton effects their functions and is deregulation in diseased states or during infection.

Teaching

• BIOB10H: Cell Biology
• BIOD23H: Seminars in Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics
• JBZ1018:  Advanced Microscopy (graduate course)