Welcome to the Neeraj Vij Laboratory
Current Research and Expertise
The research goal of my laboratory is identification of molecular pathways leading to chronic disease pathophysiology with an aim to identify novel therapeutic sites. At the translational front, we focus on identification of novel therapeutic strategies including design of small molecules and nano- drug delivery systems. The focus of ongoing research projects is
Proteostasis-imbalance & pathogenesis of chronic disease
1. Protein processing of misfolded CFTR and other conformational mutant proteins- Mechanisms of misfolded protein ubiquitination and deubiquitination, and identification of substrate specific Ub ligases (E1/E2/E3s) and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs).
2. Functional role of VCP/p97 (AAA ATP chaperone)-retrograde translocation protein complex in maintaining optimal proteostasis balance, and its modulation in disease states associated with proteostasis-imbalance.
3. Mechanisms of infection and/or cigarette smoke induced chronic inflammatory signaling in CF, lung injury, emphysema and COPD with the emphasis on the role of lipid-raft signaling and proteostasis-imbalance.
4. Immune-privilege, wound healing, IL-8 signaling and neutrophil chemotaxis.
Therapeutic strategies & nano-delivery systems for treating chronic conditions
5. Identification of novel therapeutic strategies, therapeutic development and nano- drug delivery systems.