I am a molecular biologist,  I trained in microbial genetics during my PhD and then moved to human genetics during my postdoctoral training, throughout my work was focused on cloning/characterization of disease genes.

The major goal of my current research is to understand how diabetes causes damage in the body and to develop methods for direct detection in patients in order to provide assays for detection/ prevention of organ damage. I use various in-vitro, and in-vivo model systems as well as clinical samples in combination with molecular and cellular experimental approaches.  I have active projects within my group on diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and Alzheimer’s disease using patient samples, in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models. My research in the last decade has led me towards trying to understand the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in acquired diseases, and the assays I have developed are now being utilized for other projects, such as neonatal brain injury, fatty liver disease and dementia.

Mitochondria, diabetes and diabetic complications, diabetic nephropathy, mitochondrial DNA