Kidney epithelial cells stained for tubulin (red), acetylated tubulin (green). The nucleus is depicted using DAPI.

Our laboratory focuses on the binding of cytokines, specifically interleukin-2 (IL-2), to the extracellular matrix, and how this association impacts cells within that matrix. While IL-2 is primarily known for its impact on lymphocytes, our laboratory studies the influence of this cytokine on vascular smooth muscle cells and kidney epithelial cells. We are interested in these cell types because in tissues, IL-2 is bound to the extracellular matrix surrounding these cells. 

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Techniques we use

protein isolation and detection

We use Western blot analysis, electro-elution, SDS and native gel electrophoresis to assess multimeric forms of IL-2 in healthy and diseased tissues, We also generate and isolate these multimeric forms for testing in cell-based assays.

molecular biology

We use various techniques in molecular biology to examine IL-2 receptor expression in various cell types. Using siRNA, we also inhibit IL-2 receptor expression as well as different parts of  the IL-2R signal transduction pathway. Finally, we plan to generate mutants of IL-2 to study how specific amino acids impact multimer formation.   

cell based assays and 
in vivo models

We use cell-based assays and mouse models to determine how isoforms of IL-2 impact cell function in vitro and in vivo.