RESEARCH SYNOPSIS
With overlapping focuses on Chemical Biology, and Molecular Pharmacology. Our research group takes the reductionist approach to dissect biological processes at the subcellular level and multiplexing nature-endowed properties of signaling molecules to engineer molecular tools and signaling pathways to uncover the chemistry behind diseases, while fueling discovery and therapy.
We combine cellular signaling and single-cell and subcellular optogenetics to interrogate how cells communicate and behave. In We also develop novel optogenetic tools. Our opsin-based optogenetic tool development aims to engineer opsins with spectral, signaling as well as chemical properties that are amenable for in vivo applications. We develop phototropin and cryptochrome-based optogenetic tools for the regulation of G protein signaling independent of GPCRs. These engineered tools allow the acquisition of dynamic molecular pictures of how crucial signaling pathways are regulated, orchestrating intricate cellular processes, including migration, invasion, and proliferation. We also seek alternative mechanisms to hijack signaling governed by insulin and its receptors to control cellular glucose uptake. Further, using computational and hybrid chemical-cellular approaches, we explore how photoreceptor chromophore retinal triggers cytotoxic chemical reactions upon blue light exposure and if and how such cellular chemistry induces vision and skin damage.
We also develop photopharmacology tools and approaches to overcome the limitations of traditional pharmacotherapy. In this approach, the administration of a photoactive molecule is followed by the light irradiation of a precise subcellular, cellular, tissue, or organ locations to activate, inhibit or modulate cellular function is sought.
We combine cellular signaling and single-cell and subcellular optogenetics to interrogate how cells communicate and behave. In We also develop novel optogenetic tools. Our opsin-based optogenetic tool development aims to engineer opsins with spectral, signaling as well as chemical properties that are amenable for in vivo applications. We develop phototropin and cryptochrome-based optogenetic tools for the regulation of G protein signaling independent of GPCRs. These engineered tools allow the acquisition of dynamic molecular pictures of how crucial signaling pathways are regulated, orchestrating intricate cellular processes, including migration, invasion, and proliferation. We also seek alternative mechanisms to hijack signaling governed by insulin and its receptors to control cellular glucose uptake. Further, using computational and hybrid chemical-cellular approaches, we explore how photoreceptor chromophore retinal triggers cytotoxic chemical reactions upon blue light exposure and if and how such cellular chemistry induces vision and skin damage.
We also develop photopharmacology tools and approaches to overcome the limitations of traditional pharmacotherapy. In this approach, the administration of a photoactive molecule is followed by the light irradiation of a precise subcellular, cellular, tissue, or organ locations to activate, inhibit or modulate cellular function is sought.
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Ajith Karunarathne, PhD Principal Investigator and Associate Professor BS: University of Sri J'pura, Sri Lanka PhD: Michigan State University, USA. Advisor: Prof. Dana Spence Postdoctoral: Washington University School of Medicine, USA. Advisor: Professor N. Gautam Editorial Board Member: Journal of Biological Chemistry Editorial Board Member: PLOSOne |