GOAL
Understand how the immune system is shaped by a family of bioactive lipids, the lysophospholipids, particularly sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P).
We are interested in all aspects of S1P signaling, including the S1P GPCRs, the chaperone molecules that carry S1P (ApoM-HDL and albumin), and the metabolism of S1P itself. We explore these pathways using a combination of animal models, in vitro systems, pharmacology, biochemical analyses, and single cell technologies.
CURRENTLY
Led by Victoria A. Blaho, our team is currently working on two wide-ranging projects: 1) How S1P affects the response to radiation and genotoxic stress, especially by bone marrow stem/progenitor cells and the endothelium 2) How ApoM-S1P and S1P receptor signaling impact the generation of immunity. This includes studies using models of autoimmune disease, inflammation, and radiation exposure.
