Molecular Characterisation of Caspase Biology

The caspases, key conserved enzymes for apoptosis execution, also regulate vital cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and proteostasis. My group is interested in investigating their function by combining Drosophila and mammalian cell models, advanced microscopy, biochemistry, and genetic editing. Our projects have the potential to advance our basic biological understanding and offer new therapeutic strategies.

The family of highly conserved enzymes known as caspases has traditionally been studied for their involvement in apoptosis regulation. However, recent evidence indicates that they also regulate numerous vital cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, cell migration, and proteostasis, necessary for proper cell functioning. Therefore, defects in the cellular death program or in the regulation of these non-apoptotic functions of caspases often underlie many diseases. My group is interested in determining the regulation of caspase activation and molecular function in physiological and pathological contexts, combining genetic models of Drosophila and mammalian cells, advanced microscopy systems, genome editing techniques, molecular biology, and biochemical methods. It is expected that the results of our research will open new pathways of fundamental biological knowledge and provide valuable information from a therapeutic perspective.