Nearly 50% of the human genome consists of thousands of nearly identical copies of mobile elements and ancient retroviruses called Transposable Elements (TEs). Epigenetically silenced in all adult cells, TEs are paradoxically reactivated during early embryonic development. Our recent findings reveal that TE reactivation is regulated and essential for mammalian development. Notably, TEs are unintentionally … Continued
My research group at UCLA is developing a novel dimension to the study of host-pathogen interactions, which traditionally studies how pathogens subvert cellular processes, or how host immune effector functions inactivate pathogens. We instead study how organellar function and metabolism are rewired to respond to and defend cells and organisms against pathogens. We use the … Continued
Understanding the mechanisms behind animal transparency holds significance for both fundamental and translational research. However, our comprehension of these mechanisms is currently limited, primarily to a few specialized tissues like the cornea and lenses. Here, I will explore both the mechanisms and broader implications of whole-body transparency using glassfrogs, which are the only known transparent … Continued
The biophysical property of the nucleus dramatically impacts cell functions including migration, proliferation and pathogen killing by immune cells. Yet, we have limited understanding of how the nucleus controls cell behavior beyond gene expression – this prevents us from leveraging nucleus biophysics to engineer cells. My lab studies how cells regulate the biophysical properties of … Continued
Birds appear to effortlessly perform maneuvers that are outside the capabilities of our most advanced aircraft. If we could integrate avian maneuverability into UAVs, we could open the door for a new era of flight: one in which flight is not constrained to runways, humans can be transported quickly across large city centers, and disaster … Continued
Our work aims to determine how the lining of the uterus regenerates each month after menstruation. On any given day, approximately 800 million people around the world are menstruating. Menstruation involves the shedding of large portions of the uterine lining, and we know very little about how the tissue recovers from this extensive, repeated damage. … Continued
Early-life immune exposures can profoundly impact lifelong health. A greater understanding of fetal immunity has the potential to help us understand health and disease during gestation, as a neonate, and every stage of life afterward. There are gaps in knowledge regarding cell types that are unique to the fetus, including the nucleated red blood cell. … Continued
Cells are complex systems that integrate biochemical signals with mechanical forces in order to carry out important physiological processes, such as cell growth, division, and movement. Compared to eukaryotic cells, we know very little about how forces are generated and transduced within prokaryotic systems. My research proposal leverages recent advances in my lab, which allow … Continued
Marine microeukaryotes navigate constant fluctuations in food, friends, and foes to produce and to distribute crucial resources that support oceanic life and impact global climate. The molecular mechanisms that enable microeukaryotes to perform multifaceted functions in dynamic environments remain unexplored, primarily due to a historic inability to recapitulate environmental behaviors and to perform genetics. My … Continued
Mammals have forged an evolutionary alliance with commensal microbes that harmoniously live on barrier surfaces and have profound effects on host health and disease. Despite their residence on epithelial barriers, surprisingly little is known about how commensals influence epithelial stem cells (EpSCs), which continuously maintain epithelia throughout our lifetime. By taking cues from their microenvironment … Continued