Our research is focused on how cells recognize stress and induce gene expression pathways to alleviate damage.  Central to these stress adaptation processes is translational control through phosphorylation of a translation factor eIF2, which is involved in delivery of initiator tRNA to the ribosome machinery. Protein misfolding and nutrient deficiencies are critical triggers of translational control, which rapidly repress global translation coincident with preferential translation of key stress response genes.  We use biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, genetic, and bioinformatics approaches for determining the mechanisms for these stress response pathways and their roles in the progression and treatment of diabetes and related metabolic diseases, cancer, and neuropathologies