Himanish Basu

In Dr. Chiu’s lab, we are pioneering research on innate immune signaling in neurons of the central nervous system during neurodegenerative diseases. Our studies have uncovered the pivotal role of Gasdermin E (GSDME), a key innate-immune pore-forming molecule enriched in neurons, in driving neurodegeneration associated with dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. By employing high-resolution microscopy, we delve into the intricate intracellular organellar dynamics of GSDME and related proteins in both primary neurons and human iPSC-derived neurons. Additionally, we utilize mouse models and analyze human patient tissues to further understand the pathological role of GSDME in neurodegeneration. In my presentation, I will share insights from our recent findings, discuss new preliminary data, and outline the future directions we plan to pursue in this exciting area of research.