Research interests

The focus of this program is to define the molecular mechanisms of autoimmunity. In particular I am interested in defining the molecular interactions that regulate development and activation of lymphocytes. With the recent discovery of the genetic defect in flaky skin mice the new focus of the lab is to define the functional role of the Ttc7 gene in lymphocyte development, activation, and autoimmunity. While we do not know what the function of this gene is we have evidence that this gene is associated with the regulation of lymphocyte function. This has lead me to develop the following hypothesis: the Ttc7 gene is a negative-regulator of B-lymphocyte activation. I believe that this new autoimmunity gene may shed light on how normal autoreactive B-lymphocytes are kept in check and may identify potential therapeutic targets for human systemic autoimmune diseases.