Research Interests:
Regulation of Orai/STIM-mediated store-operated Ca2+ entry in immune cells: Using proteomics and genomics tools we have identified several mechanisms regulating store-operated Ca2+ entry in immune cells. One such class of novel regulators comprise of large Rab GTPases including CRACR2A (CRAC channel regulator 2A), Rab44 and Rab45 proteins. Unlike canonical Rab GTPases which are ~20 KDa in size, these large Rab GTPases range in size from 75-110 KDa and contain Ca2+-binding EF hands and many protein interaction motifs. We are currently examining the role of these novel large Rab GTPases in proximal T cell receptor signaling pathways.
Role of Orai/STIM-mediated signaling in regulation of innate immune responses: Recently we have identified a novel role of Orai/STIM proteins in regulation of innate immune responses. Using genetic tools of tissue-specific Orai/STIM knockout animals, we are dissecting the function of these molecules in host immune responses and autoimmune disorders.