Seminar Series – Helmut Kramer, Ph.D.

The long-term goal of the Krämer lab is to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate responses to select cellular stresses by employing genetic and cell biological approaches in Drosophila.
• Genetic screens revealed novel regulators in quality control function of autophagy and we aim to understand their role in maintaining neuronal health.
• Arthrogryposis-renal dysfunction-cholestasis (ARC) syndrome is caused by mutations in Vps33B and Vipas39. Drosophila disease models revealed altered phagosome maturation and pro-inflammatory signaling that prompted us to explore the role of innate immunity in ARC syndrome.
• Fic-mediated AMPylation of the ER chaperone BiP regulates ER stress responses. We are investigating the mechanisms by which this modification contributes to long-term photoreceptor adaption and to the maintenance of neurotransmitters recycling in the fly visual system.