Prof. Ronit Sagi-Eisenberg

The Sagi-Eisenberg laboratory studies the molecular basis of mast cell related allergic and inflammatory disorders, including the mechanisms that underlie mast cell involvement in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Our research focuses on deciphering the protein networks that link mast cell activation with the release of inflammatory mediators. Specifically, we focus on the role of the Rab GTPase Rab12 in Parkinson’s disease progression, the role of mast cells and mast cell ageing in Alzheimer’s disease, and the role of mast cell activation by neuropeptides, such as substance P, in neuroinflammation. To this end, we combine functional genomics and phenotype driven screens of mast cells, activated to recapitulate human pathophysiologic conditions. Research methods used include high-resolution confocal microscopy and molecular biology techniques.