Research in the laboratory aims to understand the role of tyrosine phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in signaling and disease. We focus on a group of enzymes termed protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) that act to dephosphorylate their targets. To decipher the role of PTPs in signaling and disease we utilize a variety of multidisciplinary approaches.
Using advanced quantitative cellular imaging, we dissect the dynamic spatial and temporal regulation of signaling by PTPs. In addition, we generate and study mouse models of obesity and diabetes. Using genetic engineering approaches, we determine the metabolic effects of tissue-specific deletion of PTPs in peripheral insulin responsive tissues.
The main areas of research are: