Research in our group is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of various cellular signaling pathways and their contribution to human diseases such as cancer. Specifically, we work on systems that regulate cellular homeostasis, in other words systems that maintain fine balance in cells. The two systems that we are currently working on is Phosphatase and Ubiquitin systems.

While phosphatases regulate phospho-protein homeostasis, ubiquitin is essential for cellular protein homeostasis. Phosphatases, despite being critical players in cell, a comprehensive analysis of their essential roles in various cellular processes and pathogenesis is not available. In the lab, we aim to identify and establish new cellular functions as well as new molecular mechanisms for different classes of phosphatases. On the other hand, ubiquitin is known to regulate homeostasis by degradation of cellular components. Our lab aims to establish non-degradative functions for ubiquitin system in cells. Given the fact that several components of these pathways have been reported to have genetic alterations, abnormal expression or dysfunction in human disorders, we foresee that a better understanding of the basic biology and functional network of these proteins will provide insights into human diseases. In the process of studying functional molecular signalling networks, our group has made several important discoveries in the phosphatase and ubiquitin biology [Some of the examples: Developmental Cell (2024), EMBO J (2022), JCS (2022), EMBO Reports (2019), Cell Reports (2017), Nature communications (2016), Nature Cell Biology (2011, 2009), Cancer Research (2013), Molecular and Cellular Biology (2014)].

Our team at CDFD is tirelessly working to answer the bigger question, "How does a cell behave?". We will find the answers if we can comprehend the wiring that holds the cell together and the conversations that take place between proteins. Our knowledge on how the communication between proteins is maintained in cells while they carry different processes in our body is still nascent. Thus, a lot of work is needed to understand how proteins work, talk to each other, move from one place to another place in cell and what systems regulate these processes in cells. Once we have this information, the knowledge generated from our work will provide future therapeutic targets for different human diseases.