Larry Gerace, PhD

We are interested in how the functional organization of the cell nucleus governs animal physiology and human disease. A major focus of our research group involves the nuclear envelope (NE), the membranous sub-domain of the ER that forms the nuclear boundary and regulates information flow between the nucleus and cytoplasm. We are particularly interested in understanding a protein meshwork lining the NE- the nuclear lamina (NL)- that controls signaling for gene regulation, interphase chromosome organization and nuclear mechanics. We seek to unravel the core functions of NL proteins, and to determine how mutations in these components lead to 'laminopathies,' a spectrum of diseases that include muscular dystrophies, metabolic disorders, neuropathies and premature aging. We also are pursuing discovery-based approaches to unveil new regulatory pathways modulated by the NL. We are analyzing NL functions in stem cells and mouse genetic models with a spectrum of biochemical, imaging and molecular approaches. In some of our recent studies, for example, we have found that disruption of the NL-associated protein Lem2 in different mouse tissues leads to metabolic abnormalities, muscle degeneration and other abnormalities reminiscent of laminopathies.