Research interests of Lab: Neuronal cell biology, lysosomes, Neurodegeneration, Alzheimer’s Disease. Gowrishankar Lab website: http://gowrishankar.lab.uic.edu
Lysosomes are degradative organelles, whose function is critical for protecting long-lived cells such as neurons from the build-up of misfolded proteins and damaged organelles. Altered lysosome function is associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their involvement are not known.
My lab focuses on understanding how different lysosomal pools form, interact, and function in the different parts of the neuron and how their dysfunction causes and/or exacerbates neurodegenerative diseases. Using a multidisciplinary approach (imaging, proteomics, and CRISPR-Cas9 mediated perturbation in both primary mouse neurons and IPSC-derived neurons), the lab identifies the defining molecular composition of these distinct lysosomal populations, factors that uniquely (or differentially) regulate them, and the molecular basis for their differential responses to stresses. We also interrogate mechanisms underlying lysosome dysfunction in hereditary spastic paraplegia and Alzheimer’s Disease, using IPSC-derived neurons and mouse models.
The Gowrishankar Lab at UIC is looking for research assistant volunteers to start in the Spring semester. We are looking for detail-oriented, reliable, meticulous, organized, and self-motivated individuals who are interested in neuroscience and cell biology neurodegenerative diseases. Typical time commitment is 12-15 hours with a minimum of 12 hours per week for at least 2 years, depending on your availability. Sophomores and Juniors will be preferred but all Undergraduates are welcome to apply and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Interested applicants, please email your resume/curriculum vitae to Alex Orlowski and Shraddha Ghanta (aorlow5@uic.edu and sghant3@uic.edu) by December 10th.
