Grant: Operating Grant

Endocytosis is one of the mechanisms by which cells can internalize proteins on the cell membrane and extracellular molecules into cytoplasmic membrane bound vesicles. Switch-like proteins called Rab GTPases, regulate the formation of membrane vesicles as well as their trafficking to different destinations such as back to the outer membrane (recycling) or to the lysosome for degradation. Our research aims to identify and characterize regulators of the Rab GTPases and thus vesicle trafficking. Endocytosis is an essential cellular process with important implications for human health. Endocytosis is important for lipid and protein homeostasis, clearance active membrane receptors that can contribute to oncogenesis when left activated, and it is used by certain viruses and bacteria for cell infection. Understanding the mechanisms regulating endocytosis and vesicle trafficking will provide insights for the development of therapies for cancer, lipid storage diseases, infection, and much more.