Overview


Our laboratory studies signaling events in excitable cells. Specifically, we are focused on: 

 

Fertilization:

  • Uncovering the signaling pathways evoked in the egg within minutes of sperm entry.  
  • Understand the molecular mechanisms of polyspermy block; preventing fertilization by more than one sperm.
  • Elucidate the role of lipid PIP2 in early embryonic development.

 

Regulation of the Ca2+ activated Cl- channel TMEM16a:

  • Uncover the role of PIP2 in regulating TMEM16a gating
  • Determine signaling pathways that open TMEM16a channels