Introduction

At Segall Lab, our mission is to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underpinning cellular and molecular physiology. Through innovative methodologies, cutting-edge technologies, and interdisciplinary collaborations, we aim to address fundamental questions in cell biology, with a particular emphasis on signal transduction, cellular dynamics, and physiological adaptation in health and disease.

Research Focus Areas

  1. Signal Transduction Pathways :  Our research delves into the biochemical cascades that govern cellular communication and response to external stimuli. By mapping signaling networks, such as the MAPK/ERK pathway and PI3K-AKT signaling, we investigate their roles in processes like cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation.
  2. Cytoskeletal Dynamics and Cellular Motility : We explore the regulation of cytoskeletal architecture, emphasizing actin filament remodeling and microtubule dynamics. Using advanced imaging techniques, such as live-cell confocal microscopy and super-resolution imaging, our studies reveal how cytoskeletal elements drive cell migration, intracellular trafficking, and mechanotransduction.
  3. Physiological Adaptation and Homeostasis : Our lab examines cellular responses to environmental stressors, including hypoxia, oxidative stress, and metabolic shifts. We focus on adaptive mechanisms like autophagy, unfolded protein response (UPR), and mitochondrial quality control, employing CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing and omics approaches for comprehensive analyses.

Methodologies and Technologies

  1. High-Throughput Screening : Leveraging high-throughput platforms, we conduct small-molecule screenings to identify modulators of key signaling pathways. Our automated systems enable large-scale assays, enhancing reproducibility and data reliability.
  2. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) : We employ NGS technologies for transcriptomics (RNA-seq), epigenomics (ChIP-seq), and single-cell sequencing, providing insights into gene expression regulation, chromatin dynamics, and cellular heterogeneity.
  3. Proteomics and Metabolomics : Utilizing mass spectrometry-based approaches, we analyze protein-protein interactions, post-translational modifications, and metabolic fluxes. Our integrative analyses uncover novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
  4. Advanced Imaging Techniques : Our imaging capabilities include fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), Förster resonance energy transfer (FLIM), and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF). These techniques facilitate real-time visualization of molecular interactions and dynamic processes.
  5. Computational Modeling and Bioinformatics : Through data-driven approaches, we construct predictive models of cellular behavior. Our bioinformatics pipelines integrate multi-omics datasets, enabling network analysis and pathway reconstruction.

Collaborative Projects

Segall Lab actively collaborates with academic institutions, industry partners, and clinical research centers worldwide. Our ongoing projects address critical challenges in cancer biology, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders, fostering translational applications of our findings.

Notable Achievements

  • Innovative Discovery : Identification of novel regulators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), contributing to cancer metastasis research.
  • Technological Advancements : Development of custom biosensors for monitoring intracellular signaling dynamics with unprecedented sensitivity.
  • Publications : Contributions to high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Cell Reports, and The Journal of Cell Biology, showcasing our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.