Discovering new cell death mechanisms using chemical and genomic tools
In the Stockwell Lab, we are illuminating new cell death pathways underlying cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, using chemical and genomic tools. Our approach is to design high-throughput screens in mammalian cells that allow us to test tens of thousands of small organic molecules and small interfering RNAs for their ability to affect cell death phenotypes associated with cancer or neurodegeneration. These screens reveal reagents that are used to identify specific proteins that act as the critical regulators of cell death decisions. We define the pathways regulating these critical regulators using protein biochemistry, molecular biology and organic synthesis. Thus, using a combination of chemical and biological approaches, we are illuminating new fundamental pathways that are also linked to disease.
Additional resources
Positions available
Chemical Genetics Reviews
Department of Biological Sciences
New Papers
"Identifying druggable disease-modifying gene products"
" A novel role for jun N-terminal kinase signaling in olfactory sensory neuronal death."
"Combination chemical Genetics"
" Inhibitors of metabolism rescue cell death in Huntington's disease models."
" RAS-RAF-MEK-dependent oxidative cell death involving voltage-dependent anion channels."