Proteins are essential for life, and much of the resources in cells are committed to the synthesis and proper folding of proteins. Our cells are constantly being exposed to environmental stresses that disrupt proteins and their functions. In response to stress, stress response pathways are activated to alleviate damage to cells. These pathways serve critical adaptive functions; however, disruptions in or unabated induction of the stress pathways can lead to a variety of human disease conditions.

Our research program strives to understand how the mechanisms of regulating protein synthesis and stress pathways contributes to the progression of many diseases including diabetes, liver disfunction, prostate cancer, wound healing and infectious diseases such as Toxoplasmosis.