Research Summary
The focus of my research group is the protein homeostasis network, a network of over 1,000 different factors in human cells that maintain the proteome in a functional and balanced state. Our goal is to understand how this network functions, and how it is challenged and rewired in disease states, in particular cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Our functional genomics platform enables us to elucidate dynamic networks and to pinpoint nodes that are potential therapeutic targets. Using biochemistry, biophysics and cell biology, we then "zoom in" on individual nodes of the network to reveal their mechanism of action.
As a postdoctoral scholar in Jonathan Weissman’s lab at UCSF, I spearheaded the development of a functional genomics platform for robust genome-wide screens and genetic interaction maps in mammalian cells (see section C.2 below). Very recently, we have enhanced this platform by developing CRISPR-based technologies enabling both loss-of-function and gain-of-function screens in mammalian cells (see section C.3 below). I am confident that our functional genomics approach will have a particularly high impact in its application to elucidate cancer-relevant cellular pathways. We have successfully used this approach to identify cellular factors that control the sensitivity of cancer cells to drugs (see section C.4 below). This approach can identify biomarkers predictive of clinical responses, predict possible mechanisms of drug resistance, and guide the development of combination therapies.
Research Funding
September 1, 2021 - August 31, 2026 - Uncovering the genetic mechanisms of the Chromosome 17q21.31 Tau haplotype on neurodegeneration risk in FTD and PSP , Co-Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: U54NS123746
July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2026 - Investigating the Functional Impact of AD Risk Genes on Neuro-Vascular Interactions , Co-Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: U01AG072464
September 5, 2018 - June 30, 2023 - The Psychiatric Cell Map Initiative: Connecting Genomics, Subcellular Networks, and Higher Order Phenotypes , Co-Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: U01MH115747
September 30, 2018 - May 31, 2023 - Systematic elucidation of endosomal trafficking as a therapeutic opportunity in AD using CRISPR-based functional genomics , Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: R01AG062359
Education
Marburg University, Germany, Pre-diploma, 06/00, Human Biology
Cambridge University, UK, B.A. (M.A.), First Class Honours, 06/03, Biochemistry
The Rockefeller University, Ph.D., 06/09, Biological Sciences (Cell Biology, Biophysics)
University of California, San Francisco, Postdoctoral Fellow, 07/15, Systems Biology