Research Objectives
Investigate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in human diseases: Develop a comprehensive research objective to identify and understand the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction in various diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Utilize state-of-the-art techniques, such as mitochondrial DNA sequencing, proteomics, and metabolomics, to identify biomarkers and elucidate the functional consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction in disease pathogenesis.
Uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying organ function in acute stress and chronic disease: Develop research objectives to investigate the molecular mechanisms that regulate organ function during acute stress, such as trauma or infection, and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Utilize cutting-edge techniques, including transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics, to identify key molecular players and signaling pathways involved in organ function during stress and disease states.
Utilize genome-wide screening approaches to identify molecular components controlling intracellular ion dynamics: Develop research objectives to utilize RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-wide screening approaches to identify novel molecular components that regulate intracellular ion dynamics in physiology and disease. Investigate the roles of ion channels, transporters, and pumps in various cellular processes, such as membrane potential regulation, intracellular signaling, and cellular homeostasis, and their implications in disease states, such as cardiac arrhythmias, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders.
Streamline unbiased technologies for biomarker discovery utilizing human and mouse models: Develop research objectives to optimize and streamline unbiased technologies, such as proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics, for biomarker discovery in human and mouse models. Identify novel biomarkers that can aid in early diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring of various diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Validate the clinical utility of identified biomarkers using human clinical samples and animal models.
Develop in vitro and in vivo assays suitable for medium- and high-throughput drug screening: Develop research objectives to establish robust and reliable in vitro and in vivo assays that are amenable to medium- and high-throughput drug screening. Utilize advanced cell culture techniques, organoid models, and animal models to screen and identify potential drug candidates for various diseases, such as cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Investigate the mechanisms of action and efficacy of identified drug candidates using molecular, cellular, and physiological assays.
Generate tractable models to determine the mechanism of disease pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies: Develop research objectives to generate tractable disease models, such as genetically engineered animal models, patient-derived organoids, and disease-specific cell lines, to investigate the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and evaluate therapeutic strategies. Utilize these models to elucidate the molecular and cellular events that drive disease progression, identify novel therapeutic targets, and test the efficacy of potential therapeutic interventions using a combination of molecular, cellular, and functional assays.
Characterizing the human disease-causing mutations will aid in bio-marker (clinical diagnostics) discovery, assist drug development, and create a unique therapeutic platform to alleviate morbidity and mortality of:
- Metabolic diseases
- Aging diseases
- Oncogenic diseases
- ALI/ARDS
- COPD
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Inflammatory diseases
- Neurodegenerative diseases
