Investigating mechanisms of ER-associated degradation (ERAD) in human disease

Accumulation of misfolded proteins and aberrant protein aggregates are hallmarks of a wide range of pathologies such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Under normal conditions, these potentially toxic protein species are kept at low levels due to a variety of quality control mechanisms that detect and selectively promote their degradation. Our lab investigates these protein quality control processes with a particular focus on ER-associated degradation (ERAD), that looks after membrane and secreted proteins. The ERAD pathway is evolutionarily conserved and in mammals, targets thousands of proteins influencing a wide range of cellular processes, from lipid homeostasis and stress responses to cell signaling and communication.

We investigate the mechanisms of ERAD using multidisciplinary approaches both in human and yeast cells. Using CRISPR-based genome-wide genetic screens and light microscopy experiments we identify and characterize molecular components involved in the degradation of disease-relevant toxic proteins. In parallel, we use biochemical tools to dissect mechanistically the various steps of the ERAD pathways. In this collaborative project with the Lea lab we will use structural approaches such as cryo-electron microscopy to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of ERAD.

These studies, by providing mechanistic understanding of the ERAD process, may shed light on human diseases impacting ER function and may ultimately contribute to better therapeutics.