Patricia A. Loughran, PhD

Dr. Loughran studies protein subcellular localization and protein binding partners in models of inflammation, infection and hypoxia. These post-translational modifications are established means to alter protein structure and function that may potentially generate oxygen radicals that exacerbates the initial cellular insult. An additional area of interest is the sequence of events that may lead to protein modification and subsequent removal may involve damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules. Autophagy and apoptosis are both known to be triggered when cells have become damaged or nutrient-deprived and exist as a controlled mechanism to minimize damage to the larger environment. To better understand the role of DAMP molecules in regulating balance between cell survival and cell death, biochemistry, cell biology and cellular imaging are the primary tools utilized.