The Ioannou lab is involved in a number of projects that center on the biology, function and diseases of the endosomal/lysosomal (E/L) system. Although the intercellular transport of cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues has been intensively studied, little is known about its egress from the E/L system, its intracellular transport and the proteins involved in this process. The existence of such proteins is highlighted by the autosomal recessive disorder, Niemann-Pick C (NPC) disease, in which cholesterol accumulates in lysosomes and leads to progressive neurodegeneration. Their overall objective is to identify and characterize the various components of the intracellular cholesterol and lipid transport machinery and determine their function and interactions.
Part of The Investigator's Annexe program.