Proteins are the primary effectors of cells. They are highly organized in a variety of assemblies, forming the basis of well-regulated pathways and networks to precisely execute a plethora of cellular processes. Alternations of proteins expression, and their interaction networks are linked to many physiological and pathological conditions.

Fundamental Biology

The ERES is a highly dynamic orchestration of a group of proteins at the ER, deputed to transporting natively folded nascent proteins from the ER and onwards in the anterograde trafficking pathway. At the centre of our research is Sec16, a “scaffold” protein around which ERES organisation occurs. Making use of Retro-2, a Sec16 targeting compound, our lab studies the acute effects of ERES modulation on ERES organisation and cell homeostasis, to understand the interplay between protein export, stress responses and homeostatic cellular processes. 

ERES as a Therapeutic Target 

The process of protein secretion is essential for life: the mechanism by which tissues are formed and maintained, autocrine and paracrine communication, and immune defences to name a few. Protein biosynthesis is a highly ordered and tightly regulated process, thus errors can cause a wide range of diseases, some of which are very common. Therapeutic modulation of protein secretion is highly sought, but is a complex task, requiring specific modulation to avoid toxicity. Our lab studies the molecular factors influencing the secretory pathway and their roles in cellular processes.